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Genting Highlands theme park races to open despite delays and legal battles

A troubled dream takes shape: Malaysia's first Fox-themed park fights cost overruns and crime crackdowns to bring Hollywood magic to life. Will it pay off?

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1 min read
The image shows a bustling central market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with tall buildings, street...
The image shows a bustling central market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with tall buildings, street poles, street lights, motor vehicles on the road, persons walking on the footpath, name boards, trees and a sky with clouds in the background.

A major outdoor theme park is taking shape near Kuala Lumpur, despite financial and legal hurdles. The Genting Highlands Malaysia project, linked to 20th Century Fox films, is set to open most of its rides by late 2020. Meanwhile, Malaysian authorities continue to target illegal online gambling operations in the region. The theme park’s development has faced delays and rising costs. Originally budgeted at $700 million, analysts at Maybank Investment Bank Bhd. now expect the final bill to climb higher. Genting Malaysia has already acknowledged the need for extra funding to finish the project.

Legal disputes also slowed progress until recently. In July, Genting settled a $1-billion lawsuit with Fox and Disney, clearing the way for construction to move forward. The park, located near Resorts World Genting, will feature 25 rides, with 20 expected to open in the third quarter of 2020. Once complete, the park will create around 1,100 jobs. About 40% of the workforce has already been hired. The rides will draw inspiration from popular 20th Century Fox films and other studios. The push to finish the theme park comes as Malaysian police crack down on illegal online gambling. In August, authorities arrested 100 Chinese nationals for running an unlicensed gaming operation. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to curb such activities in the country.

The Genting Highlands theme park is on track to open most of its attractions by late 2020, despite budget overruns and past legal battles. With hiring underway and rides nearing completion, the project marks a significant expansion for the Genting resort area. Meanwhile, law enforcement remains focused on shutting down illegal gambling networks in Malaysia.

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