Legoland Malaysia set for 2012 opening

JOHOR BAHRU: The development of Legoland Malaysia in Iskandar Malaysia by IDR Resorts and Merlin Entertainments is gathering momentum for its grand opening in 2012.

Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, president and chief executive officer of Iskandar Investment Group and chairman of IDR Resorts, said next year would be a significant year for Iskandar Investment with the launch of completed projects such as Legoland Malaysia under the company's first phase of development in Iskandar Malaysia.

"There will be more job opportunities for all," he said in a statement on Tuesday, March 1.

He said RM200 million worth of contracts had already been awarded, and tourist receipts when Legoland Malaysia opens in 2012 would further boost the local and regional economy.

Iskandar Investment, he said, was committed to creating value for the community and driving Iskandar Malaysia's vision of becoming a sustainable metropolis of international standing.

IDR Resorts, a member company of Iskandar Investment, is responsible for the development of Legoland Malaysia in partnership with Merlin Entertainments.

Over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions for the theme park are currently being fabricated for Iskandar Malaysia.

Creation of the 15,000 Legoland model structures at the Model Building Centre for Legoland Malaysia in the Nusa Cemerlang Industrial Park is also progressing smoothly.

Meanwhile, IDR Resorts chief executive officer Zainal Ashikin Muhammad Rejab said Legoland Malaysia would have a total staff strength of up to 950 when operational next year.

"We will hire approximately 50 pre-operation professionals in 2011, and another 900 employees in 2012 leading up to the launch of the theme park in Iskandar Malaysia," he said.

Legoland Malaysia, he said, was not only be for tourists but also about bringing opportunities to the local community who were supportive of its efforts since day one.

Legoland Malaysia senior director of operations Siegfried Boerst expressed confidence that Legoland Malaysia would be as fun and educational as its sister parks in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany and Denmark.

"Legoland Malaysia is taking shape, and it's a thrilling process putting the rides together, building the Legoland model structures with over 30 million Lego bricks and ensuring that we create a full-day interactive experience for families with young children between the ages of two and 12 right here in Asia," he said.

Boerst who joined Legoland Malaysia in October last year from Legoland Deutschland oversees the operation of the 76-acre (31-hectare) theme park in Iskandar Malaysia.

Legoland Malaysia, is the centerpiece of Medini Lifestyle, the lifestyle and entertainment hub in Medini Iskandar Malaysia which will also feature lifestyle retail mall, commercial developments and office buildings. — Bernama