The Bertam Resort & Water Park has reopened after a short hiatus due to unforeseen circumstances.
The management of the water park has put out a statement to address the matter and offer a clarification.
The Management of Bertam Resort and Water Park (‘the Park’) wishes to officially address the reported sudden closure of our Water Park on Dec 28, 2022, and its subsequent approval to open and operate by the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) on Jan 7, 2023.
The Management had informed MBSP of the intention to open the Park on Dec 15, 2022. Various meetings and consultations were held with MBSP where the Council had even called for a special meeting to facilitate the opening process.
All necessary licenses were applied prior to the opening date. The Management was specifically informed to apply for a comprehensive Business Operating License which included the water park operations, restaurants, and gift shops.
The Management applied for this. On Dec 22nd, 2023, the Management was suddenly given a notice that the Park was to close within 3 days as it did not have an ‘Entertainment’ License. This came as a shock and as the public had already paid for and booked tickets during the school holidays, the duration of 3 days was simply not sufficient to arrange for such a sudden closure.
Then on Dec 28, at 9.40am, the MBSP conducted the said sudden and immediate on-the spot closure of the park for reasons ONLY that the Park did not have an ‘Entertainment’ License. We are sincerely saddened and frustrated with the MBSP decision, which is drastic, abrupt and completely insensitive to the general public who’s only wish was to spend time with their families.
Many of our visitors had travelled from far and wide to be here. The local community and economy of Bertam, which would have benefited directly and indirectly from the influx of visitors to the park, were also at loss.
Various small eateries and cart vendors plying their trade were affected and had to be without such a great economic opportunity due to the MBSP’s actions. Notwithstanding the great losses suffered by the park, the Management immediately made the decision to allow all affected ticket holders to use and redeem their tickets so that the public and our dear visitors do not suffer.
The Management also wishes to clarify and address several malicious rumours that the closure was due to health and safety issues. These rumours are completely FALSE. The closure was only based on ‘Enakment Hiburan dan Tempat-Tempat Hiburan 1998 & Peraturan-Peraturan Hiburan (Pulau Pinang) 2001’ which is strictly on the issue of the park having no ‘entertainment’ license.
As to the legal implications of the requirement of an additional ‘Entertainment’ License for the Park (if any) and the entire episode of the closure, the Park took formal action against MBSP on 30 December 2022, and shall be pursuing its’ appropriate legal remedies. We have been advised by our lawyers not to make any further comments on the issues of law on this. Safe to say, the Management feels very strongly that the closure was wrong, and that the Park has been unjustly and unfairly wronged.
SOME GOOD NEWS – WATER PARK REOPENING! Nonetheless, after several sleepless nights and tiring efforts, we are most pleased to inform you that the Park has been now allowed by MBSP to open its doors and welcome visitors as of Jan 7, 2023. Bertam Resort & Water Park located in Bertam Kepala Batas Penang is an inspired five-star resort and water park built on an eight-hectare land three years ago and it is wholly owned by The Maritime WaterFront Suites Sdn Bhd. The RM90 million project is to contribute to tourism activities to Northern Seberang Prai, create jobs for more than 300 locals and to improve the local economy.
