TAR, Merlin in talks to bring in more attractions

THEMED Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd (TAR), are in talks with Merlin Entertainments Group to discuss the possibility of opening other attractions in Malaysia.

Managing director and chief executive Tunku Datuk Ahmad Burhanuddin said other attractions under Merlin Entertainment would be located in other parts of the country.

"We are in negotiations with Merlin Entertainments to offer other products under the group but they would be on a smaller scale compared with Legoland Malaysia," he said.

However, he said negotiations were in the initial stages as the focus right now was on the Legoland Malaysia theme park.
TAR, the recreation and tourism division under Khazanah Nasional, Merlin Entertainments and Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) collaborated to develop the RM720 million Legoland Malaysia theme park.

Legoland Malaysia, the first in Malaysia and sixth in the world, was officially opened on September 15, drawing thousands of visitors from home and abroad.

Besides Legoland Malaysia, Themed Attractions will unveil water attractions such as Ocean Splash Water Park and Ocean Quest Marine Park in Desaru Coast and the Legoland Hotel which would open for business in 2014, all at a cost of RM1.6 billion.

Besides the Legoland theme park, other attractions available under Merlin Entertainments include the Madame Tussauds wax museum, Sea Life, The Dungeons, The EDF Energy London Eye, Heide Park and Warwick Castle.

On Legoland Malaysia, Ahmad Burhanuddin said it was the first of its kind in Asia and had exceeded expectations. It is expected to spur the further development of the state and Iskandar Malaysia.

He said the opening of the Legoland Malaysia theme park had a multiplier effect on the state's hotel, services, transport, food and beverage industries.

"Many industries and the local economy will receive the positive multiplier effect from the opening of Legoland Malaysia," he said adding that hotels in Johor Baru were fully booked since the opening.

To date, 80,000 annual passes to Legoland Malaysia have been sold.

Ahmad Burhanuddin said preparations were now underway for the November unveiling of the much anticipated Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park in Nusajaya which promises to bring many unique 'first' and exciting new experiences to the state.

The Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park will offer attractions such as Hello Kitty, Lat's Place, Angelina Ballerina, Bob The Builder, Barney, Pingu, Thomas and Friends and many others.

Bernama