The state government of Perak, Malaysia, has called for a forensic audit of the loss-making Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS).
Perak Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) member, Nga Kor Ming said that an investigation was now a priority so the theme park can be saved.
Nga Kor Ming said: “The state government is committed to save this white elephant project but what is more important is to have a forensic audit and it should be done immediately. Those who made every decision on this project until it caused a big loss should be responsible and brought to justice. This is the people’s money.
“We have reminded them so many times during their five-year period, to not get involved by investing in MAPS. It is not the state government’s job to build the theme park. We should give it to the private sector to invest and they will bear everything.
“At the beginning, the state government was not involved in this project and Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) only provided land to the private sector who wished to develop the theme park.
“I am not sure how the plan changed out of the blue and the state government now is the largest stakeholder in this project.”
According to Nga, losses incurred to date were RM474.4 million (approximately $115.87m).
MAPS, Asia’s first animation theme park, opened last June. The RM520 million ($120m) theme park stretches over 21 hectares in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. It features more than 40 attractions in six themed zones. Animated themes include The Smurfs, Boboiboy and animated Dreamworks characters.
Earlier this year Perak Corp had negotiated a deal with theme park operator Only World Group to co-manage and co-operate the Malaysian theme park. The park fell into trouble in June when an external auditor’s report showed huge losses for Perak Corp. Last week, the planned Dream Zone area was cancelled after a deal could not be reached with Dreamworks.
Image courtesy of MAPS Perak
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/400888/perak-calls-forensic-audit-theme-park
