Preparatory works on RM7 million initiative of Miri Housing Development Realty Sdn Bhd started three months ago
RM7 MILLION PROJECT: An artist’s impression of Sarawak’s first water theme park.
MIRI: Sarawak will have its first water theme park in Miri next year.
Costing about RM7 million, it is believed to be the first of its kind in Borneo and the biggest in the country.
The project is being undertaken by one of the state’s major housing developer — Miri Housing Development Realty Sdn Bhd.
Its executive chairman Dato Lau Siu Wai said the project, which would be located at a 36 acre site in Senadin, was approved recently by the State Planning Authority (SPA).
It will be developed in three stages.
Preparatory works on the first phase of the 12 acres started about three months ago.
Construction works are expected to start after Chinese New Year next year.
“After the completion of 8,000 houses in Senadin, this project is part of my humble effort and the company’s to bring speedy development to Miri, especially to boost tourism and recreation.
“If there are no such parks in Sabah, this will be the first in East Malaysia, and probably the first in Borneo and also the biggest in Malaysia,” Lau told The Borneo Post yesterday.
The proposed Senadin Water Theme Park will boast swimming pools, wave generators, water slides and canoe tracks.
Lau added that the theme park was part of the 80 acres project to be carried out within three years time.
“The whole project will cost between RM300-RM350 million, and once completed it could further enhance recreation, business and training facilities for the benefit of both local and foreigners, including tourists,” he stressed.
Other facilities to be made available at the water theme park include shopping complex, cultural village, amphitheatre, hotel and a proposed man-made island (11-12 acres).
Currently, a safety training school, Borneo Safety Training School, has been operating since more than a year ago.
It is conducting courses specifically for personnel in the oil and gas industries.
“This is the first training school in Malaysia set up by locals and specifically for the oil and gas industries.
“It is part of our effort to achieve the government’s vision of making Miri the centre of education excellence, and also help to boost the image of Miri City which aspires to become a premiere and preferred resort city in the region,” Lau said.
As for the cultural village, a living museum showcasing various ethnic people in Miri, like the Sarawak Cultural village concept, has been proposed.
Meanwhile, the state assemblyman for Pujut, Andy Chia Chu Fatt, who recently viewed the Water Theme Park model, applauded efforts of Miri Housing Group of Companies for initiating the project.
“I truly welcomed this recreation park. It will be an added facility for Mirians and visitors. The water theme park will be something new to introduce Miri as a Resort City.
“This is a good investment for Miri Housing and its partners and I congratulate them for taking this bold step. This project would definitely benefit the people and economy,” Chia said.