Asia's first dive park to take shape in Malacca

AB&T Resources Sdn Bhd and another Malaysian company are expected to tie up with Australia's Sanderson Group to build Asia's first dive park in Klebang, Malacca.

AB&T Resources CEO, Robbie Krishnan, said the proposed park would include an artificial lagoon with strategically-placed shipwrecks, artificial corals and marine life.

He said the company is currently conducting a feasibility study on a 6.8-hectare of reclaimed land nearby the submarine museum in Klebang and the outcome was expected by mid-June.

He said the project would be undertaken in two phases, whereby the first phase costing about RM50 million would involve the development of an eight-hectare pond with a depth of between 10 and 30 metres to cater for snorkellers and advanced scuba divers.

"This would enable year-round diving without the worries of weather conditions or seasonal time of the year," he told Bernama recently.

The second phase will involve the development of a giant pier complete with retail outlets and theme park rides overlooking the Straits of Malacca.

Krishnan said the project concept was conceived by AB&T Resources and the other Malaysian company was responsible for acquiring the land while Sanderson Group would be involved in the construction aspect.

Sanderson Group specialises in thematic design and construction and has more than 25 years of experience. Its professional services cover full turnkey project development, economic planning, master planning, design, construction, operations management and property development.