By : Zaki Salleh
The theme park project in Tanjung Tualang near Batu Gajah can drive local economic development through tourism if it can attract visitors.
Therefore, in view of the failure of the Movie Animation Park Studio (MAPS) project in Meru, Ipoh needs to learn from that venture, so that the same mistakes are not repeated.
Economic analyst, Prof. Associate Dr. Nuradli Ridzwan Shah Mohd. Dali said that a detailed and early study should be done to identify the project’s capabilities.
He, who is also a Lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at USIM, said that this is because based on the study, he can find the appropriateness of the planned development.
“In general, every investment must have risk and return but we have to see if it is worth it or not, that’s why research is important.
“As an entity that wants to generate profit, we have to know what the value of this theme park will be. Who are the target visitors, whether domestic or foreign?
“That’s why there has to be an expectation of how long before it can give a return.
“So if the study has been carried out and found that there is an economic return, then it is a positive project,” he said when contacted.
Commenting further, Nuradli Ridzwan Shah said, the source of income that will be obtained from the opening of this park will determine the attendance of visitors.
“We also have to be clear about the type and form of theme park to be developed. The involvement of strategic partners is also important to see that this development can be competitive.
“If the entrance fee is reasonable and suitable for local visitors, it is not impossible that it can get public attention,” he said.
On Wednesday, the media reported that Tafi Industries Bhd’s wholly-owned subsidiary, TAFI Home & Office Sdn. Bhd. was awarded a contract by TT5 Theme Assets Sdn Bhd to build, test and install, complete and hand over the work of the theme park in Tanjung Tualang, Perak for RM11 million.
TT5 is a former dredger that is now a museum and one of the tourist attractions.
The theme park was built on land owned by the MB Corporation (MB Inc) which will also manage the location when ready later.
Yesterday, Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that the project development was implemented through PFI and did not involve state government money.
He said the theme park was built to generate income for maintenance work to conserve Tanjung Tualang Dredger No 5 (TT5).
