Seabed hotel to boost tourism
PORT DICKSON: The first seabed hotel is set to draw tourists to the country once the project, which will be part of the International Maritime Gateway project, is completed in four years.
Maritime International Gateway Sdn Bhd group managing director, Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad said, the 10-storey hotel would feature 10 glass wall rooms that offered breathtaking seabed views for the guests.
“The project will be carried out simultaneously with marine conservation and restoration in the area, including deepening of the seabed to stabilise sea current, improving water clarity and cultivating natural and artificial reefs,” said Azman.
He said guests would be able to enjoy the seabed view, decorated with marine life that live among or in close relation to coral reefs. Maritime International Gateway Sdn Bhd group managing director
(centre)
Port Dickson on Wednesday. Pic by Mohd Khidir Zakaria
Besides the hotel, other facilities that will be offered include an apartment resort, a Customs Immigration and Quarantine Complex, trade centre, duty free mall, international cruise ship terminal, clubhouse, as well as a specialist medical centre.
“We have received approval from the authorities, including the state government, the Tourism and Culture Ministry, Home Ministry, state Economic Planning Unit and Customs Department,” said Azman.
The project, which will be built on a RM3.2 billion budget on a 5.94ha site
near Port Dickson town centre, is expected to be officially launched at the end of this year.
It will provide high-speed hovercraft services to ferry passengers from Port Dickson to Singapore in two hours.
“This project will boost the economy of the local residents, with more than 3,000 jobs will be offered once the gateway launches its operation.
“At the same time, it will also boost the tourism industry as it will attract more tourists to Malaysia and Port Dickson,” he said.