KEPALA BATAS: Holidaymakers were left disappointed after the newly-opened Bertam Souk & Water Park was closed by the authorities for operating without the proper approvals.
The theme park was ordered to shut on Wednesday (Dec 28) and slapped with a notice by the Seberang Prai City Council to cease any form of water theme park activities under the Entertainment Control and Places of Entertainment Enactment 1998.
The park started operations on Dec 15, and it is understood that an enforcement unit from the council visited the premises and issued a compound notice as well as an order to cease operations.
However, the park appeared to have defied the order and was found to be operating without a licence six days later.
A 27-second video of visitors gathered outside the entrance has since gone viral with some crying foul over the closure.
Others have been quick to defend the authorities, citing safety precautions.
It was reported that work on the RM90mil resort and water park, built on 8ha of land here, began three years ago.
Its 302-room resort is scheduled to open in.
The park was said to have received a positive response since its opening, with an average of about 800 to 900 visitors daily.
