DEVELOPMENT OF SENTOSA ISLAND (Upgrading of facilities and attractions)

Mr Rohan bin Kamis asked the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry if the Minister is satisfied with the progress of the development of Sentosa Island as a resort for Singaporeans and tourists; whether there are any plans to further upgrade the facilities and attractions and, if so, when these plans will be implemented.

The Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Dr Wong Kwei Cheong) (for the Minister for Finance and Minister for Trade and Industry): Mr Speaker, Sir, the progress made in developing Sentosa as an island resort for Singaporeans and tourists is in my view satisfactory. Since 1972, about $69 million has been spent by the Sentosa Development Corporation on developing facilities on the island. New attractions that have been added to the island in the last three years include the Musical Fountain, the Monorail System, Rasa Sentosa and the lnsectarium.

The facilities at Sentosa are popular with Singaporeans and tourists. In 1980, 974,000 visited Sentosa. The number in 1983 was 1,367,000. There are plans by the Sentosa Development Corporation to upgrade the existing attractions and facilities. The Sentosa Wax Museum is being expanded to include a new section featuring the early pioneers of Singapore. The Musical Fountain will be improved. Some $1.9 million will be spent between now and mid-1985 on improving the swimming lagoon. There are also plans to upgrade Fort Siloso and the ferry terminal at the World Trade Centre. In addition, the Corporation is actively negotiating with private investors to develop a family entertainment park, resort hotels and an oceanarium.