Iskandar Malaysia is set to become a premier leisure and entertainment centre by 2013, when three projects costing more than RM1 billion come on stream in the economic region.
Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios, an indoor theme park and MSC Cyber City will complement two projects taking shape — Johor Premium Outlet (JPO) and Legoland. Together, they will turn the region into a hard-to-resist destination.
Work on the three additional projects is expected to start by early next year and completed in about a year.
The RM350 million studios, which will spread over 32ha, will feature Bollywood-style film studios and facilities. This is a project involving Khazanah Nasional Bhd, a strategic investor in Iskandar Malaysia.
Pinewood has its origins in the United Kingdom in 1936. The first studios in West London have played host to many productions over the years, from blockbuster films, including James Bond movies, to television shows and commercials.
The theme park, which has yet to be named, is expected to occupy 1.6ha and cost some RM400 million. A project by UEM Land Holdings Bhd, the theme park will be built near Puteri Harbour and is scheduled for opening by late next year or early 2013.
The RM312 million MSC Cyber City project will be developed by MSC Cyberport Bhd in several phases over a period of 10 years, with the first phase to be ready by 2013.
The 60ha project will become a major landmark for leisure activities, such as computer games.
State Tourism and Domestic Trade Committee chairman Hoo Seong Chang said the state government was upbeat about the prospect of bigger tourist arrivals with the implementation of the three projects.
“This means we will have five new attractions on top of the present fare.
This will be a breakthrough for the Johor tourism industry,” he told the New Straits Times.
JPO at Kulaijaya is expected to open by year-end while Legoland at Nusajaya is scheduled for opening next September. The former is a luxury shopping destination, offering branded apparel at discounted prices under one roof.
Legoland, the first of its kind in Asia, is a family entertainment centre that will provide interactive rides, shows and attractions.
Malaysia Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong said Johor could expect an influx of tourists when all the new tourist products were ready.
By Sim Bak Heng, news@nst.com.my
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