KUANTAN: An appointed assemblyman stunned colleagues at the Pahang state legislative assembly today with a proposal to establish the largest safari park in Southeast Asia.
Temerloh MCA division chief Datuk Wong Tat Chee suggested that the state government boost tourism in Temerloh by building a massive safari park in the district's forested areas.
"I believe this park will have a significant impact on the tourism sector, attracting not only locals but also visitors from all over, making it a prime destination, much like Genting Highlands," he said during his speech in support of the state budget bill at the Wisma Sri Pahang assembly today.
Pahang Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Sim Chon Siang (PKR-Teruntum), interjected by asking if Wong was considering taking over the now-defunct Gambang safari resort.
Wong responded saying that the Gambang site was too small and lacked proper attractions, unlike the large-scale safari park he proposed, which would be bigger than the one in Pattaya, Thailand.
"The park would attract visitors from Genting Highlands, where millions of tourists come each year. It would be great if we could encourage them to spend a night in Temerloh.
"This influx could also drive the need for four- and five-star hotels, potentially making Temerloh the second local council to be declared a city," he said.
When Hassan Omar (PAS-Lanchang) suggested that the safari park be set up in Lanchang, which is home to the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre and the National Tiger Conservation Centre, Wong humorously responded that he had no authority to decide the location.
Thomas Su Keong Siong (DAP-Ketari) then proposed promoting Taman Negara Kuala Tahan in Jerantut, but Wong countered that while Taman Negara was ideal for observing nature, his vision for a safari park was to create an attraction on the scale of Disneyland or Legoland.
Wong said that the safari park should cover about 202 hectares (505 acres), providing ample space for visitors to stay and explore Temerloh.