Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin took a breather from the city landscape in the southern state to see what’s happening at the latest tourism attraction, Desaru Coast Destination Resort, here today.
The development, with a gross development cost of RM4.5 billion, is well on track for completion and is set to change the tourism landscape in Johor’s south-eastern region.
Muhyiddin, who is also chairman of the Khazanah Nasional Bhd board of directors, started the visit with a 15-minute briefing at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas, which spans over 10.11 hectares.
He then visited Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast before moving on to the upcoming Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal site, which when completed in June 2021 would be the 16th international entry point to Johor.
Accompanying the prime minister during the almost one-hour visit were Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, who is also a member of Khazanah Nasional board of directors; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Ir Hasni Mohammad as well as Khazanah Nasional managing director Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan.
Later at a press conference, Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Roslina Arbak said construction of the ferry terminal is currently at 53 to 54 per cent completion.
She said the the ferry terminal, which would boost connectivity with direct access to Singapore, Batam and Bintan Islands, would also include a customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex to be built in Desaru.
“The prime minister expressed that he is very happy with the development of the Desaru Coast and he encouraged us to continue making the destination more attractive to travellers,” she told reporters after Muhyiddin’s visit.
She also said the ferry terminal is expected to receive a total of 10,000 passengers for the half-year period from June to December.
“The Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal CIQ complex is designed to clear 300 passenger arrivals at any one time.
“By 2025, the ferry terminal is expected to handle up to 102,000 arrivals per year,” she added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Aug 16 2020
Muhyiddin, who is also chairman of the Khazanah Nasional Bhd board of directors, started the visit with a 15-minute briefing at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas. - BERNAMApic
‘C4Cinta’ sets record as highest-grossing Malaysian Tamil film
'C4Cinta', directed by young filmmaker Karthik Shamalan, has set a new benchmark in Malaysian Tamil cinema.
Man charged with mother's murder, storing body in freezer
The court denied bail and scheduled case mention on Feb 7 for the submission of forensic, autopsy, and chemist reports.
Abolition of examination in schools to reduce pressure on pupils - Fadhlina
The classroom assessment approach offers a much more interesting learning ecosystem, says Fadhlina Sidek.
Google, Meta urge Australia to delay bill on social media ban for children
Google and Meta says the government should wait for the results of an age-verification trial before going ahead.
Judge tosses Trump 2020 election case after prosecutors' request
It represents a big legal victory for Donald Trump, who won the Nov. 5 US election and is set to return to office on Jan. 20.
DHL plane crash in Lithuania leaves authorities searching for answers
Rescue services said the plane hit the ground, split into pieces and slid over 100 metres (110 yards).
National squad to hold friendly matches for 2025 Indoor Hockey World Cup
The warm-up matches will involve matches against better ranked teams in the world, namely Austria (first) and Belgium (third).
G7 seeks unity on ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu
The United States, part of the G7, has rejected the ICC decision, with President Joe Biden describing it as outrageous.
Francissca Peter remembers Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab: A tribute to a musical legend
A legend who has influenced our music for decades, was one of the highlights of my career, says Francissca Peter.
TikTok decision coming soon as Jan. 19 divestment deadline looms
Judges are reviewing TikTok's challenge to a law requiring ByteDance to sell its US assets by Jan. 19 or face a ban.
Lebanese sources: Biden, Macron set to announce Israel-Hezbollah truce
In Washington, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said, "We're close" but "nothing is done until everything is done".
PM meets chaebol tycoon to attract more FDI to Malaysia
Chaebols are prominent figures from South Korea's family-owned conglomerates.
Govt won't allow non-citizen vehicles to enjoy RON95 subsidy - Economy Ministry
The implementation of the RON95 subsidy in 2025 is expected to provide savings of RM3.6 billion to government expenditure.
Ringgit opens lower as greenback gains ground
Dr Mohd Afzanizam says the market responded positively to news of hedge fund manager Scott Bessent heading the US Treasury Department.
Management of low-cost housing, gov't quarters, focus at Dewan Rakyat today
Also among the highlights, UNICEF report on 12.3pct of teenagers in Klang Valley's PPR face mental health issues and suicidal tendencies.
UN Resolution 1701, cornerstone of any Israel-Hezbollah truce
Here are the resolution's main terms, and a note about subsequent violations and tensions.
Record aid worker deaths in 2024 in 'era of impunity', UN says
So far this year there have been 281 aid worker victims, according to the Aid Worker Security database.
Why India's toxic farm fire counting method is disputed
Here's how India counts farm fires - a major contributor to severe pollution in the north - and why its method is being questioned.
Divisions on curbing plastic waste persist as UN treaty talks begin
South Korea is hosting the fifth and ostensibly final UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting this week.
Transport Ministry to study proposal for senior citizen licence renewal assessments - Loke
The Transport Ministry will review a proposal requiring senior citizens aged 65 and above to undergo competency and health assessments before renewing their Malaysian Driving Licence.