Asia's Animation Theme Park or known as 'Movie Animation Park Studios' (MAPS), costing RM450 million will shape up in Meru Raya here and expected to draw more tourists to the state.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the joint venture project between Silver Corp Berhad and Sanderson Group, which is to be completed by December next year, will have a compilation of a variety animation concept zones, including Square Animation, Fantasy Forest, Live Action, Blast Off, DreamWorks and Lakeside Zone.

"The project will create some 3,000 employment opportunities, including 700 main jobs for the locals. The mega international project will introduce the animated character that is on TV such as The Croods, Megamind, Mr. Peabody and Sherman and Casper the Friendly Ghost. MAPS is the largest international project," he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony at Aman Jaya Convention Center Jaya in Ipoh, Sunday.

Zambry said the project, being strategically located on 10 of the 20.8 hectares of land in Ipoh, and equipped with electric train services (ETS) on the North-South bound expressway is set to draw 1.4 million visitors to the state.

"We are targeting 80 percent of domestic visitors, with the rest from foreign tourists," he said.

Animation Theme Park Sdn Bhd (ATP) chairman Datuk Aminuddin Md Desa said both companies were prepared to complete the project with full commitment.

"The project, proposed by the Perak State Development Corporation is expected to boost the state's economy," he said adding that the project will also have hotels and service apartments.