HULU TERENGGANU: The construction of Pulau Bayas duty-free complex will continue to prevent it from becoming a white elephant.
The decision comes about two months after the state government decided to stop developmental works in Pulau Bayas which was 50 to 70 per cent complete.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said today all agencies involved with the development have been told to submit options and recommendation to ensure the duty-free complex project’s continuation.
“The agencies need to submit the options and recommendations within one month and of course we expect some downgrading.
“The objective is to complete the project and we may need about RM80 million more,” he said after visiting the Pulau Bayas duty-free complex.
Samsuri said that 15 packages were involved in the development of the duty-free complex, which included the main jetty, a public parking area, a bridge and a hotel in Pulau Poh near Pengkalan Gawi.
“All recommendations will be studied thoroughly, including assessment of contractors to make.sure they have the financial capacity to complete their package.
“We have to be thorough because we do not want it (the project) to be further delayed.”
While the project in Pulau Poh is expected to be completed by August this year, he said the package in Pulau Bayas may take one-and-a-half years.
“We will be talking to the Central Terengganu Development Authority to seek some allocations to support the development within the duty-free zone.”
The government has spent close to RM200 million to develop both Pulau Poh and Pulau Bayas.
The delay of the project may affect the arrival of visitors at Tasik Kenyir during Visit Malaysia Year 2020 promotions.
Last year Tasik Kenyir recorded nearly 800,000 visitors and the State government projected the figure to reach two million visitors this year.
