Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
IPOH: The RM11mil theme park project to be developed in Tanjung Tualang will not involve public funds and is a private finance initiative (PFI), says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said the project was similar to Escape Penang and would be developed in the TT5 tin dredge area.
He added its main aim was to generate income to rejuvenate the tin dredge there.
"It is a private funding initiative and not funded by the state. It will be another tourism product in the state," he said in a press conference after the Meet the Consumer Day at the Indera Mulia Stadium here on Thursday (Feb 16).
It was reported that TAFI Industries Bhd had been awarded a RM11mil contract to build the theme park in Tanjung Tualang.
TAFI’s wholly owned subsidiary, TAFI Home & Office Sdn Bhd, was awarded the job by TT5 Theme Assets Sdn Bhd which will run for 18 months starting Feb 15, 2023.
The job scope includes constructing, testing and commissioning, completing and handing over the theme park.
Mentri Besar Incorporated chief executive officer Anuar Zainal Abidin said their function was only as a land owner, generating funds through lease and profit sharing.
"Questions of liability or risk does not arise," he added.
He said Ipoh Escape aims to be the biggest obstacle course in South-East Asia.
"Our target market included tourists from Thailand and Singapore, aside from Malaysians.
"The state has mandated us to generate income to maintain the tin dredge, which is quite costly," he said.
"The tin dredge is a heritage that needs to be looked after," he added.
