Article: Concern over theme park

Friday August 28, 2009

By MANJIT KAUR

THE proposed first-of-its-kind eco-friendly world class theme park in Teluk Bahang, Penang, looks nice on paper but in reality it has far more negative implications.

This was the view of several non-governmental organisations and community representatives who hoped that conservation of the forest be given the utmost priority.

Simple lifestyle: A drawing showing campsites at the proposed Ecofun Theme Park Resort at Teluk Bahang.

Penang Consumer Protection Association president K. Koris said the project sounded good, but there must be minimum destruction to the forest and catchment area.

He said it was also necessary to ensure that proper steps be taken on soil erosion and other environmental aspects.

"The country has fantastic enforcement systems but it lacks enforcement. Whatever shown in perspective is beautiful. The laid back monitoring system must be addressed first.

"It is not only necessary to ensure that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is met, but approval from the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) must also be carried out," he said when contacted.

Relaxing atmosphere: An artist's impression showing the treetop hotels at the proposed resort.

It was reported that if all went well, Penang was set to have the Ecofun Theme Park Resort on 12.14ha of land belonging to the Penang Water Corporation located downstream, near the Teluk Bahang dam.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Penang-based company Sim Leisure that was currently involved in the design and construction of the Universal Studios Theme Park in Singapore had submitted its proposal.

Concurring with Koris, Penang MCA Wanita chief Tan Cheng Liang said preservation of the forest was the key component that must be looked into.

She said it was good to have new tourism products for the state, but it was also equally important to ensure minimum destruction to the environment.

"But I am surprised that Lim is calling for an open tender after the company had presented its proposal. This is unfair, as the project is the brainchild of the company, and others could copy the ideas," she added.

Penang Tourist Guides Association heritage specialist Joann Khaw said that she had nothing against the project, but most Malaysians did not have the habit of maintaining a place.

Refreshing dip: A monsoon waterpark will be a favourite with visitors to the theme park.

Khaw said since the park would consume a large area with its attractive components, visitors to the area were bound to litter.

"Therefore, there should be a proper rubbish disposal system because until today we see people driving big cars wind down their window and throw tissue paper out.

"Not only that, after the huge celebration at places like Esplanade, the ground is full of rubbish.

"So if the company is interested in establishing the park, they must also have a good maintenance system, otherwise the park may close down eventually due to such problems," she added.

However former state Tourism Development committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the proposal by the company was nothing new, as they had also proposed the theme park to the Barisan Nasional state government at that time.

He said since the land was earmarked for a cable car project, the company was referred to a piece of private land at the Penang National Park in Pantai Acheh.

"We told them to negotiate with the owner of the land but was not told about the outcome," he said.

Penang Tourism Action Council chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen suggested that the park be relocated to Pulau Jerejak instead.

"I think to make the island attractive, new tourism products must be thrown in. But whatever place is chosen, the most important factor is to make sure that the project is pro-greenery," she added.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Metro: North 28 August 2009