Monday January 9, 2006
Penang says no to casino in Pulau Jerejak
PENANG: The state is sticking by its original plan to develop Pulau Jerejak as an eco-tourism destination and with no casino in mind.
State Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the issue of having a casino on that island did not arise.
“My own view is a casino per se will not attract many foreign tourists. Most casinos are set up as part of an integrated resort with other facilities such as theme parks,” he said, citing Singapore's plans for such a feature.
Moreover, it would not be easy to draw people to such a casino in Pulau Jerejak with the presence of Genting Highlands, he added.
“I see no purpose for us to dwell on the casino issue,” he said.
Teng was commenting on an e-poll last month which revealed that 853 respondents or 28% voted to have a casino at Pulau Jerejak.
Other choices were a zoo, safari and a water theme park.
Teng said his own observation was that casinos were built to support the running of theme parks, which cost a lot to maintain.
“Theme parks are expensive ventures with slow returns, so the casino is built to help generate money to cover expenses,” he said after launching “The Power of Dynasties” yesterday.
“The Power of Dynasties” is a new year celebration organised by Purnama Jelita Sdn Bhd at Prangin Mall-Komtar, Kompleks Bukit Jambul, Midlands Park Centre and Megamall Pinang.
The celebration from Jan 6 to 27 includes promotions of Chinese New Year items, cultural performances, competitions and other interesting activities.
News Poll
- Transsexual staring at big change over 'wrong' photo
- Good Samaritan turns out to be an evil rapist
- Billions siphoned - Sarawak govt steps in
- Retiree drives himself to death
- Former boxer found dead in car
- Fraudsters cash bail money with forged papers
- Birthday bash turns tragic
- Tee Keat dismisses 1128 declaration
- Freeze on intake of Bangladeshi workers stays
- WHO: More women getting HIV from their husbands
- Billions siphoned - Sarawak govt steps in
- Transsexual staring at big change over 'wrong' photo
- Mass retrenchment fears in Sarawak Shell
- WHO: More women getting HIV from their husbands
- Groups express concern over report on coal-fired plant
- Freeze on intake of Bangladeshi workers stays
- Retiree drives himself to death
- Many consumers say no to spam SMS
- Building bridges of respect
- Good Samaritan turns out to be an evil rapist
RSS
