Umno to open Janda Baik leadership retreat to public for the first time next March

PETALING JAYA (Dec 27): Umno will open its Institut Latihan Memperkasa Ummah (Ilmu) leadership retreat to the public for the first time next March as the beleaguered party seeks more income streams, reported The Malaysian Insight.

The retreat, located at Janda Baik, Pahang, is envisioned as a resort and a venue for companies and universities to hold team building exercises.

Putrade Property Management Sdn Bhd took over the management of the premises from the party and is in the midst of refurbishing and renovating the place.

According to Putrade Property Management's CEO Shamsul Kamar Ahmad, the retreat will most likely be renamed Ilmu Resort.

Some of the facilities on the site include meeting rooms, halls, and dormitories.

According to the report, the resort was last used by Umno Youth for a retreat in October last year.

Locals who spoke to the portal look forward to the opening of the retreat to the public as they believe it will be draw people looking to hold kenduri and weddings, spawning business opportunities for those in the vcinity.

Meanwhile, the added supply of accommodation is also welcomed by locals operating chalets in the area as there is a shortage of rooms for tourists in Janda Baik, especially during the holidays.

Following a bruising defeat at the polls on May 9, Umno's accounts have been frozen amid investigations by the authorities and it has been forced to restructure its companies to overcome its financial problems.