Visitors sliding down the world’s longest water slide as part of the Pepsi Escape challenge at Escape Theme Park in Teluk Bahang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
DAILY prizes await those who dare to barrel down the world’s longest water slide in the fastest time at the Escape Theme Park in Teluk Bahang.
By forming a team of four using two double tubes, riders can apply techniques to slide faster and make the whole ride more exciting as they take part in the Pepsi Escape Challenge.
Those who come out tops will win daily prizes such as theme park tickets and drinks besides having their photo taken at the podium.
Sim Leisure Group founder and chief executive officer Sim Choo Kheng said it would usually take three-and-a-half to four minutes to come down from the 1.11km water slide.
“Riders can now vie to be the fastest on the world’s longest water slide as they barrel down the slide at an accelerated pace.
“The challenge will be held for half an hour daily, starting from 5.30pm.
“Those interested can register for the challenge online.
“We will take in a maximum of 30 teams a day on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“The challenge, which started on March 4, will go on for the next five years,” Sim said.
Certified by the Guinness World Records, the slide takes one through 20 turns and five loops within the forested land located 70m from the ground – equivalent to the height of a 23-storey building – before ending at the park’s swimming pool some 600m away.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said tourism has always been one of the main pillars of Penang’s economic growth.
“Unfortunately, the industry has suffered from staggering losses because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Now, I am glad to see signs of recovery with tourists flocking to Penang again during the festive season and school holidays.
“The Pepsi Escape Challenge also marks a positive direction for Penang’s tourism industry as it is a testament that the tourism sector is starting to build momentum once again after a period of stagnation.
“In 2019, Escape Penang received even greater global recognition and acclaim with the Guinness World Records for the World’s Longest Slide.
“Today, we take this record- breaking attraction to a whole new level with the introduction of the Pepsi Escape Challenge,” he said.
Yeoh also congratulated the management of Sim Leisure Group and Etika for their entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.
“I implore other tourism players in Penang to use this strategy of entrepreneurial innovation and creativity to turn the city and state into an even more vibrant tourism destination.
“This challenge is very much aligned with my aspiration for Penang’s tourism industry in the next decade, which is to add value to existing products and diversify our tourism offerings,” he added.
Also present was Etika sales senior vice-president Cedric Koh.
Etika manufactures, distributes and markets beverages like Pepsi in Malaysia and Singapore.
