Pandemic-hit Aquatic Park in Kedah reopens after 2-year closure

ALOR STAR – A popular theme park on mainland Kedah is making a comeback after the Covid-19 pandemic forced its closure for nearly two years.

Having received a new cash injection, Fantasia Aquatic Park in Jitra will reopen its doors with a soft launch on December 2 after the owners set up a new management team to try to revive the impacted business.

SAB Global (M) Sdn Bhd has invested more than RM2 million to refurbish the facility, formerly under a state government-linked company, with several new features and attractions.

As it is strategically located near the border with Thailand, within easy access from the Bukit Kayu Hitam immigration checkpoint, the park is being positioned to also lure people from southern Thailand when the border is fully reopened.

SAB Global managing director Nar Azaman Ibrahim said the new management is returning with new facilities such as a children's splash pad, twin waterslide, a “Lazy River”, water cave and main pool.

“We will strictly observe the Health Ministry’s standard operating procedures, including body temperature screening, social distancing and wearing of face mask to make sure that no one is infected while they are here,” he told a media conference.

Nar Azaman said the water theme park is on a 1.82ha site with some unused land where an expansion can take place in the future.

Also present was SAB Global (M) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk V. Harikrishnan, company’s business adviser Datuk Shahril Abdul Aziz and its chief operating officer P. S. Jayaseelan.

The theme park will operate from 10am to 6pm for the recreational facilities, and, during Phase 2, the coffee house will be open from 6pm to 11pm for walk-in guests with no entrance fee.

The entrance fee is RM18, except for senior citizens, physically challenged individuals and children aged 3 to 12 who are charged RM12 each. Entrance is free for toddlers aged 1 and 2.

“We are planning a grand opening event by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor in January,” Nor Azaman added. – The Vibes, November 27, 2021