Melaka Exco Clarifies 'Disney City' Is Just A Plan & Not A Finalised Deal
Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis is confident that neither he nor KCI Metrolink had made a mistake because the latter indeed planned to bring Disney to Melaka.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 18 Nov 2022, 05:11 PM
Melaka state executive council (exco) member Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis has clarified that the opening of a Disney-themed park in the state was actually just a preliminary plan
Speaking during a press conference at the Tourism Promotion Division (BPP) in Kota Cemerlang today, 18 November, the exco for Tourism, Heritage, and Culture of Melaka explained that the proposed 'Disney City' plan has not reached the agreement stage.
"I apologise for the confusion about Disney City or Disneyland because this is the plan of the company (KCI Metrolink Sdn Bhd), which the plan also involves the development of a magnetic train system (to connect tourist spots). If possible, there would be a 'spot' for Disney or Disney mini theme park," he told the state press, Melaka Hari Ini.
"We have never said that we have signed an agreement or any MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) or MoA (Memorandum of Agreement) with any Disney party, we have never said that."
Melaka state executive council (exco) member Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis.
Image via Mr Azli/Melaka Hari IniElaborating further, Muhamad Jailani said he and KCI Metrolink had made a mistake on the matter because the company had only informed their intention to bring Disney to Melaka
"What was being speculated was that it seemed to be an agreement, (actually) it was not (an agreement)," he explained.
"This is our plan to develop the state for the benefit of the people so that our economy is more vibrant and relevant in the next five years. Is it wrong for me to plan?"
"To me, we are planning, don't assume that (the deal) has been sealed. So if Disney does not wish or want (to build a theme park here), we cannot force it."
"We want Disneyland because the theme park is a form of family tourism. So when the company approached us and told us their desire to meet with (the management of) Disneyland, (we said) please (do so)."
On 16 November, local media outlets reported that the most magical place on earth was coming to Jasin, Melaka
In the report that SAYS cited Melaka Hari Ini, Muhamad Jailani said the Disney-themed park in Jasin will be the first in ASEAN.
The state news portal reported that "a Disney-themed park and a Disney City with an area of approximately 80.9 hectares, which is the largest in Southeast Asian countries, will be developed in the Jasin district in 2027".
"After more than 20 years, we will have a new theme park," Melaka Hari Ini quoted Muhamad Jailani as saying, adding, "Even though it is not that big, I feel it is commendable enough (that we manage to) bring in Disneyland."
"Disneyland is in the pipeline, we are planning the possibility of it being built in the Jasin district, God willing, we cannot reveal the exact location, but the area is around 150 acres to 200 acres (60.7 hectares to 80.9 hectares)."
SAYS also reported that the Melaka government is planning to develop a 22km 'Maglev' system, for which the proposed project has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Not only did the wording in the Melaka Hari report made people believe that the plan was real, but Melaka TV also showed footage of Muhamad Jailani making the announcement of 'Disney City'.
Malaysia's national news outlet Bernama reported on the issue as well, but the articles published on other news sites were later taken down.
Melaka Hari Ini and Melaka TV can both be found on the Melaka government's official website under the 'Latest Info' section.
