Proposed 'Malaysia Truly Asia’ - Theme Park?

The proposed development featured on the Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd's website

'Malaysia Truly Asia’ site not finalised

Excerpts:

"Critics say the project will rob Kuala Lumpur of the last of its green lungs and the nation of several heritage buildings.

Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd (TAR), which sailed into controversy when it announced the proposed development of areas surrounding the Tugu Negara national monument into a tourist attraction, says the site of its “Malaysia Truly Asia” tourist attraction has not been finalised.

TAR CEO Tunku Ahmad Burhanuddin said the project’s site is still awaiting regulatory approvals as well as a public scrutiny phase.

Tunku Ahmad said TAR is aware of the heritage and environmental value of the proposed site and will ensure that these values are preserved if the project is built on the site.

“Nothing is set in concrete yet. The due process is ongoing and we need several more approvals before we can even begin to talk about the project being built at the site,” Tunku Ahmad told The Malaysian Reserve.

TAR, which is a unit of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, was also in the limelight when news broke out that Khazanah Nasional was planning an initial public offering for the company.

Tunku Ahmad, who considered the development will be the jewel in the crown for the company, said the project is still in its planning stage and that the “Malaysia Truly Asia” name is a working title."

“We are not going to destroy the country’s heritage or environment.” Tunku Ahmad said the project is part of the aim by Khazanah to generate more tourism dollars in Malaysia, and that TAR is acting as a catalyst for the industry but self-sustaining at the same time. 

" TAR is the developer and operator of several theme parks in Malaysia including Kidzania in Kuala Lumpur. In Johor, it also operates Legoland Malaysia, Lat’s Place, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, Ocean Quest in Desaru and as well as Kidzania Singapore.  "

Source

This is an interesting piece of news. I'm not too clear about the accuracy of the details. But one thing for sure, it was not widely publicised and very few people are aware of this development. The Tourism Ministry has not issued any statement about this yet. Some speculated that the proposed site of this Malaysia Truly Asia Center (MTAC) as it is called, is in the vicinity of Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park which includes the Perdana Botanical Gardens (formerly Lake Gardens). The Perdana Botanical Gardens is currently in the 2nd Phase of upgrading works.

An artist’s impression of the canopy structure under the second phase of the Perdana Botanical Garden project in Kuala Lumpur

However, from what I gather from the developer's statement, I don't think building a "Centre" such as this will boost tourism. This center doesn't have history, nor could it be regarded as a uniquely Malaysia attraction. It would just be adding a few more man-made structures and destroy the natural flora and fauna. The existing attractions are already plenty such as the Bird Park, Butterfly Park, Planetarium, Perdana Botanical Garden, Museum, etc.

I'm sure tourists would prefer to enjoy the offerings of our natural tropical greenery which are not native to their country. At the same time, we should preserve whatever greenery in the city before we lose it. For example, some of the trees in Perdana Botanical Gardens are more than a decade old. Public parks and green spaces in the city should be cherished and preserved for the well-being of the people.

I hope the Developer and government will do a comprehensive study with consultation from the public and NGOs on this development.