Johor poised to be Malaysia's theme park capital

The opening of Asia's first Legoland is expected to make Johor a major tourist destination and the ‘Theme Park Capital' of Malaysia.

Right after the opening of the RM750 million Legoland next month, another attraction - a family theme park - will open in Puteri Harbour comes November.

Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), said Iskandar Malaysia could enhance its competitiveness in the tourism sector by implementing several infrastructure projects.

"We believe Iskandar Malaysia will provide the perfect tourist destination for affordable leisure at competitive prices in the South East Asian region and Asia Pacific," he said.

The RM115 million family theme park in Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya will feature popular animation characters such as Angelina Ballerina, Thomas and Friends, Pingu, Bob The Builder and Hello Kitty. The project will also house the first restaurant of cartoonist Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid in Malaysia called ‘Lat's Place.'

Additionally, Themed Attractions and Resort (TAR) Sdn Bhd also plans to open two international standard theme parks called Ocean Quest and Ocean Splash at the Desaru holiday resort in East Johor to cost RM267 million and is expected to open by mid-2014.

"IRDA is always on the lookout to have more theme parks in Iskandar Malaysia and beyond, which can cater to family-type entertainment and education," said Ismail.