Fun Hotel in Proposed Ecofun Theme Park Resort in Teluk Bahang

According to the Bernam report, Penang government has selected Sim Leisure Consultants Sdn Bhd to run the RM120 million eco-friendly "Ecofun Theme Park Resort" project in Teluk Bahang.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the project, which was expected to boost the state's tourism industry, would be built on the 12.5 hectares belonging to the Penang Water Corp (PBA).

"If all goes well, we hope to finalise the project before Chinese New Year so that work can start, the latest by second quarter of this year," he told reporters after meeting representatives from Bahrain-based Gulf Finance House and Sim Leisure here Tuesday.

Lim said PBA selected Penang-based Sim Leisure through open tender.

The company was involved in the design and construction of the Universal Studios Theme Park in Singapore.

He said GFH has also shown a keen interest in the venture.

GFH executive director, Andrew Payne, said the company had work together with Sim Leisure to set up theme parks like the Wahoo Waterpark in Bahrain.

"We are here today to see the size of project and its proposal before making any decision to invest here," he said.

Meanwhile, Sim Leisure managing director, Sim Choo Kheng, said the theme park would have five components.

"There will be a fun hotel, water park, active park, animal farm and jungle adventure to ensure that visitors come and embrace the beauty of nature," he said, adding that Sim Leisure's intention was not destroy nature but to utilise and harness its beauty.