KUALA LUMPUR: Yong Tai Bhd’s wholly-owned subsidiary YTB Impression Sdn Bhd (YTBI) has today accepted the Letter of Approval from the Melaka state government for the proposed development of an international cruise terminal at Impression City Melaka.
YTBI also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore Cruise Center Pte Ltd (SCC) for the proposed engagement as terminal operation and management consultant.
SCC is Asia’s first and only Singapore-based company with a proven track record in managing maritime passenger terminals, augmented by numerous international awards since commencement of operations.
To date, SCC manages and operates three ferry terminals and one award-winning international cruise terminal in Singapore.
Yong Tai chief executive officer Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon said the cruise industry was one of the fastest growing segments of tourism.
There was no doubt that this upcoming cruise terminal would increase tourist arrivals in Impression City Melaka, which in turn, will lead to greater spending by tourists, he added.
“This augurs well with the business strategies of Yong Tai to spur tourists’ interest for Encore Melaka’s captivating shows,” he said in a statement.
Impression City Melaka is part of Yong Tai’s flagship mixed development project with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM8 billion.
The proposed development will be well integrated with the group’s Terra Square mixed development project in Impression City, which is also linked to Encore Melaka theatre.
“Earlier, we have slowed down the construction works in Terra Square, as we intend to have a masterplan to integrate the elements and concepts of the upcoming cruise terminal, said Boo.
The cruise terminal is expected to be a major game changer for Impression City, further strengthening the mega-project’s gross development value over the long run.
The iconic Encore Melaka theatre will be the proposed development’s key beneficiary, given its location that will be next to the cruise terminal.
With higher projected tourist arrivals into Impression City via the cruise terminal, this will boost the Encore Melaka theatre’s audiences across international markets.
The cruise terminal is also expected to create greater footfall to the Terra Square retail mall, as it will be integrated with the proposed development.