THE TOP PENANG

THE TOP PENANG VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 1
PENANG MAGAZINE
HTT557 • HM241 5B

FEBRUARY 2022

THE TOP PENANG

THE WORLD'S HIGHEST ICONIC ENTERTAINMENT TOWER IN PENANG
Discover The Top Penang, the world's largest and greatest indoor theme

park, which has over 18 themed attractions in one unique location.

EDITOR TEAM

NURUL SYAZANA NURUL AIN HAZIQAH BT
BINTI ZAINUDIN MOHAMAD SYAMI
(2020462048)
(2020825188)

ZAHIDAH LIYANA NUR FATINI BINTI
BINTI ZAHARI AHMAD KAMAL
(2020813196) NAZURUDI
(2020818846)

TABLE OF
CONTENTS

02. BACKGROUND OF THE
TOP PENANG

Travel is the movement of people
between relatively distant
geographical locations

03. MAPS TO THE TOP PENANG

Where does The Top Penang exactly
located.

05. HOW TO GET THERE

The terms location and place in

geography are used to identify a

point or an area.

07. PLACE OF INTEREST
NEAR & INSIDE THE PLACE

A magazine is a publication, usually a
periodical publication, which is printed

or electronically published. 

11. THE DEVELOPMENT
STAGE OF THE TOP PENANG

A city is a large and permanent human
settlement. Although there is no

agreement on how a city is


distinguished from a town in general

12. DESIGN STANDARD OF
THE TOP PENANG

Full of uniqueness and the highest
building in the Penang!

15. IMPLEMENTATION OF
TOURISM POLICY

Policy that was being apply by The
Top Penang on The Top Penang
itself.

17. IMPACTS OF THE TOP
PENANG

There are 3 impacts of The Top
Penang including economy, social,
and environmental impact with their

control measure

25. ANALYSIS OF IMPACT
OF THE TOP PENANG

The analyze impacts that go into
much deeper.

26. FUTURE PLANNING

Where does The Top Penang view
itself in a certain period of time.

27. INTERVIEW WITH THE
OPERATION MANAGER OF

THE TOP PENANG!

The most friendly, motivate and
memorable session with The Top

Penang's Operation Manager

29. REFERENCE

Page that was dedicated to the
resources that was being used in

completing this magazine.

31. APPENDICES

A memory that are not being able to
be put in any category.

Once a year
go some place
you've never been before.

THE TOP PENANG QUOTES 01

BACKGROUND OF THE PLACE

Penang's tallest tower, at 249 metres, is in George Town.

This multi-purpose building houses state administrative One of the architects was Penang Chief Minister Lim
offices, retail stores, and a transportation hub. Its height Chong Keat's younger brother. He started putting on
makes it a prominent landmark in Penang. In 1988, January 1, 1974. In 1983, a fire on the 43rd storey of the
KOMTAR Tower became Asia's third tallest tower. KOMTAR Tower destroyed the floors above. Firefighters
couldn't put out the blaze. The fire went out after 8 hours.
Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysia's second Prime Minister, Heaviest high-rise fire in Malaysia.
started in 1974. Dr. Lim Chong Eu, Penang's second Chief
Minister, proposed George Town's restoration. It was

developed in five phases by Singapore's Architects Team KOMTAR Tower was Asia's tallest building. When KOMTAR
3. Despite this, the Penang state and island councils still Tower opened in 1988, it was Asia's third tallest.Due to
use KOMTAR. lack of space for buses and taxis, George Town was
clogged. As Penang's premier shopping destination,
Lost free-port status led in massive unemployment and KOMTAR began with all high-end retail shops.
reduced commercial activity. Economy of George Town
declined as Malaysian government focused on Kuala

Lumpur and Port Klang. Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone The TOP, a new shopping zone, has replaced KOMTAR
established by Penang's second Chief Minister, Dr. Lim Walk. The TOP now controls Pacific Hypermarket. A U-
Chong Eu. However, efforts to attract international firms shaped glass walkway at the top of KOMTAR Tower,
to Bayan Lepas accelerated George Town's population Rainbow Skywalk inaugurated in December. Now
decline. Malaysia's highest glass skywalk, it offers spectacular
open-air views of George Town. A la Skywalk at the Grand
Canyon, the glass was heat-treated, temper-proofed and
laminated.

THE TOP PENANG BACKGROUND OF THE TOP PENANG 02

MAPS TO THE TOP PENANG

The Top Penang can be reach by few type of vehicle from public transportation to private
transportation. There are many direct route public bus can take according to its bus
number to reach the destination within an hour of commute.

THE TOP PENANG MAPS TO THE TOP PENANG 03

THE TOP PENANG MAPS TO THE TOP PENANG 04

H O W T O G
E T T H E R E

The Top Penang is located inside Komtar,
which is the iconic Penang symbolic
structure and the tallest building in Penang,
and few level have been added thanks to The
Top Penang exist.

Photo by Cmglee on Wikimedia There are few ways on how to get to The Top
Penang depend on tourist choice of
If tourist arrive from ferry jetty, they can transportation which either drive their own
take rapid bus number 301, 302, and 303 car or rent a car or taking any public
from ferry terminal to Komtar bus terminal transportation. If people are willing to drive,
which located under Komtar building. From it takes approximately 19 minute to drive
the bus terminal, tourist can walk less then 2 from Penang first bridge to The Top Penang
minute before reaching The Top Penang if tourist is from Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and
entrance. etc. , and approximately 27 minute of driving
from Penang second bridge if tourists from
above Penang state like Selangor, Perak and
Kuala Lumpur.

Other rapid bus number 401E from Balik (Photo by John on Flickr) 05
Pulau and CAT bus also stop at Komtar
terminal bus. There are carpark special for HOW TO GET THERE?
tourist and visitor who come to The Top
Penang, and they do not have to park far.

THE TOP PENANG

PLACE OF INTEREST NEAR
& I N S I D E T
H E P L A C E



Penang is one of Malaysia's most famous Also, a vacation to nearby Georgetown,
destinations. Because most of Penang is an Penang, can be spent mostly exploring the
island, you can enjoy beaches, dazzling vibrant murals. Georgetown, a UNESCO World
waterways, and a laid-back island vibe with a Cultural Heritage Site, is a favourite among
major city vibe. We chose The Top Penang since Penang street art enthusiasts.
it is close to numerous attractions. Near The Top
Penang is Paragin Mall. Prangin Mall is one of This area near The Top Penang is also known
three malls in George Town. Prangin Mall, like 1st for its food, and foodies will discover a
Avenue Mall, was originally part of the KOMTAR culinary heaven here because to the city's
project. diverse influences.

A popular pickle brand in Malaysia created by
Bumiputras from Penang is JERUK PAK ALI. JERUK
Pak Ali (JMPA) is the major fruit pickle in
Malaysia, known for its unique taste and scent.
These fruits are made from fresh fruit from
handpicked farms. Traditional recipes and
MARDI's latest technologies combine to create
this delicious and healthful taste.

THE TOP PENANG PLACE OF INTEREST NEAR & INSIDE THE PLACE 06

ATTRACTIONS

INSIDE THE PLACE

RAINBOW The open-air Rainbow Skywalk is
SKYWALK located on Level 68 of the Komtar
Tower, allowing tourists the

exhilarating experience of walking
on air 816 feet above sea level.
The air-conditioned Observatory
Deck at Level 65 has a glass
walkway where you can see the
world below.

Visit Penang Boutique Aquarium for an PENANG
up-close encounter with aquatic life! BOUTIQUE
Its diverse aquatic life promises to AQUARIUM
astonish and educate visitors of all
ages. Read to know more about the
undersea environment and how we
can all help save and protect it.

THE The Gravityz is a platform for you to
GRAVITYZ truly soar. The Gravityz permits unusual
activities, some of which entail extreme

levels. Magnificent heights, however,
bring great views and experiences. Our
motto:-
Beyond Confidence, encourages
everyone to gain cDonIfNidOence and step
out of their comfort zGoYneM.




THE TOP PENANG PLACE OF INTEREST NEAR & INSIDE THE PLACE 07

ATTRACTIONS JURASSIC
RESEARCH CENTER
INSIDE THE PLACE

The Jurassic Research Center brings over
200 dinosaurs back to life using the
newest animatronics technology. The
Jurassic Research Center takes visitors on
an educational adventure where you can
see life-size dinosaurs in their natural
habitat.

7D DISCOVERY Our 7D Discovery Motion Theater
MOTION takes guests on a visual trip! 7D Dome
provides everyone the latest in virtual
reality and simulators to create new
dimensions and views so that can be a
part of the movie!

The undead have awoken, and they're ZOMBIE
ravenous. The wandering dead are on OUTBREAK
the prowl for unsuspecting humans, and
you are their prey. At Zombie Outbreak,

everyone may join them in their battle
for survival.

THE TOP PENANG PLACE OF INTEREST NEAR & INSIDE THE PLACE 08

ATTRACTIONS

INSIDE THE PLACE

TECH OCEAN
DOME PENANG EXPLORER





MUSICAL DINO
CAROUSEL GYM





PENANG UFOX
STATE GALLERY





THE TOP PENANG PLACE OF INTEREST NEAR & INSIDE THE PLACE 09

TRAVEL IS
NEVER A

MATTER OF
MONEY,BUT
OF COURAGE

(T.S. ELLIOT)

THE TOP PENANG QUOTE 10

The DTehveelTopomp ePnetnaSntagge of

1/1/1974 THE KOMTAR WERE BUILT
(A, 2012)

1983 A FIRE INCIDENT HAS BROKE OUT
ON 43RD FLOOR

(ARCHITECHTURE, 2016)

1988 THE KOMTAR HAS FINALLY
COMPLETE
(A, 2012)

2015 THE KOMTAR NAME HAS BEEN
REBRANDED

(FERRARESE, 2022)

2016 THE REVITALIZATION OF THE TOP
PENANG'S 65 STOREY TOWER WITH A
THE TOP PENANG
NEW ACTIVITY. E.G RAINBOW
SKYWALK (KOMPLEKS TUN ABDUL

RAZAK

(KOMTAR, 2017)

THE DEVELOPMENT STAGE OF THE TOP PENANG 11

DESIGN STANDARD

THE TOP PENANG DESIGN STANDARD 12

DESIGN

The KOMTAR complex has been transformed into a tourist
destination that is full of joy and entertainment. There's a new
spot in town called The Top Penang, and it promises to provide
visitors with a memorable experience. The rehabilitation of The
Top Penang's theme park began on 20 January 2016, with the
addition of 66, 67, and 68 as part of the project (levels 3, 4, 5,
and 6). The renovation of The Top Penang is being handled by the
Only World Group, the same company that has been in charge of
the project till now. The Top Penang is Malaysia's biggest indoor
theme park, with attractions on every floor of the KOMTAR
skyscraper. The KOMTAR building under the Top Penang has a
total of 18 attractions.

When it came to the design of the new building, Dr Lim's younger
brother, Lim Chong Keat, was responsible. It briefly eclipsed Tokyo's
Sunshine City when it reached its maximum height during construction,
but by the time it was done the Korean Life Insurance Building had taken
over as Asia's second tallest building (Tye, 2017). A 1960s George Town
master plan called for the historic city center to be preserved as a
heritage site, while an 11-hectare area bordered by four roads, which are
Prangin, Maxwell, Penang, and Magazine Roads, was to be developed
into the "Penang New Urban Center" consisting of a four-story podium,
three 17-story residential blocks, and a central 65-story skyscraper. Lim
Chong Keat's complex had geodesic domes, which he drew inspiration
from in the work of one of his former colleagues, Buckminster Fuller.

The Top Penang skyscraper, one of George Town and Penang's tallest
structures, may be seen in the distance. KOMTAR or Kompleks Tun
Abdul Razak was the previous name of the complex where this building
currently exists. It was named after Malaysia's second Prime Minister,
Tun Abdul Razak. The construction of the KOMTAR building began in
1974 and was finished in 1979 with a maximum height of 232 meters
above the ground on the 65th floor. There were 58 levels in the original
KOMTAR structure before development began on an additional seven
floors in the middle of 2015. The KOMTAR Tower will continue to be
Penang's tallest skyscraper until 2021. (Tye, 2017). Penang's tallest
skyscraper, shaped like a cylinder, is the country's sixth-tallest
building. The official office of Penang's state government, it is situated
at the crossroads of Jalan Penang and Jalan Magazine. There's no better
way to admire Penang Island and the mainland from above than to take
a trip to the observation deck on the 58th level (Hotels.com, 2021).

THE TOP PENANG DESIGN STANDARD 13

STANDARD

Situated on the highest rooftop of KOMTAR tower (Level 68), the
Rainbow Skywalk is the most popular feature that attracts
visitors to The Top Penang. The Rainbow Skywalk is
complemented by the Top View Restaurant, which is also located
on the same level. Top Outlook Restaurant & Lounge @ 68th
offers a wide variety of tapas and drinks, as well as a
breathtaking view of the city. The building's apex is adorned with
the 68th-level Sky Bar and Malaysia's highest glass skywalk,
which are both located on the 68th floor. The Rainbow Skywalk,
a semi-circular glass skywalk measuring 16 metres in
circumference, is the first of its sort in Southeast Asia as well.
When in its present design, the U-shaped glass walkway can
accommodate up to 16 people at a time and is constructed of the
same toughened glass that is used on the Grand Canyon Skywalk
(Wikipedia, 2021). This attraction offers customers to
experience the exciting feeling of hovering 816 feet above the
surface of the earth (The Top Penang, 2021).

In addition, The Gravityz is one of the most popular tourist
attractions in The Top Penang. The Gravityz, a 300-foot ropes
course outside the 65th floor, became accessible to the public in
2018 and is still open to the public today. The 239-meter (784-foot)
ropes course has a zip-line challenge as well as other obstacles
along a platform abutting the façade of the 65th floor, which bills
itself as the world's highest. For reasons of safety, only a total of six
individuals, each weighing no more than 600 kg (1,300 lb), are
allowed on the platform at any one time.

Finally, the most popular attraction in The Top Penang is the
Jurassic Research Center, which has a unique design to make the
location appear like a real-life Jurassic Park. More than 200
dinosaurs are brought back to life by the Jurassic Research
Center to establish a massive interactive activity center (with
the assistance of the most up-to-date animatronic technology).
A great deal of care was taken in creating the dinosaurs so that
they would seem historically accurate. The Jurassic Research
Center takes visitors on an educational journey to observe life-
size dinosaurs in their natural habitat.

THE TOP PENANG DESIGN STANDARD 14

Implementation of
Tourism Policy

Tourism policy is a collection of ideas,
policies, and strategies established by
governments, sometimes in conjunction
with private or social organizations, with the
goal of achieving various tourism-related
objectives. (Velasco, Maria, 2017)

(PETACE, 2021)

Edutainment tower The Top Penang, which focuses on
education while having fun at tourist destinations. A
strategy has been adopted in this location that requires the
creation and provision of a wide variety of high-quality
tourist attractions. This can be seen in the list of attractions
on The Top Penang's website, which includes the Rainbow
Skywalk, Gravityz, and the Jurassic Research Center, to
name a few. The quality of the tourist offering itself may be
judged by the fact that each of these attractions has been
given a detailed description of itself.

THE TOP PENANG IMPLEMENTATION OF TOURISM POLICY 15

Implementation of
Tourism Policy

(PETACE, 2021)

The Top Penang was the first edutainment theme park in
Malaysia, the highest icon edutainment tower, and the most
notable of all of it was The Top Penang was the first curving
skywalk building in the world, this was clearly evidenced.
This great deal of achievement and name was proof that The
Top Penang had successfully implemented the competitive
economy, high value, and worldwide categorization, as it
managed to be called by all of those titles and became well-
known among visitors as one of the attractions in the state
of Penang.

(PETACE, 2021)

The Top Penang also has a quality education
policy in place, which it has put into effect. This
may be observed at all of The Top Penang's
attractions. There was a lot of useful and
current information for each of the attractions.
Not to mention the wide range of knowledge
that may be acquired from the many places of
interest.

THE TOP PENANG IMPLEMENTATION OF TOURISM POLICY 16

ECONOMY IMPACTS

POSITIVE IMPACTS

JOBS CREATED

FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS



One of the positive effects of tourism is
the possibility to earn money through
the exchange of foreign currencies.
Tourism expenditures produce revenue
for the economy of the country where
they are spent. Money earned from
tourism may be re-invested back into the
economy. Where money goes depends
on how a destination manages their
finances; some destinations may use this
money to expand their tourism industry
even further, while others may use it to
fund public services such as education or
healthcare. Some destinations.

Fleming and Toepper (1990) stated in their
study that direct positive economic impacts
of an activity for an economic area comes
from visitors spending in terms of income,
jobs, and taxes. The positive impact that The
Top Penang have created is by offering job
opportunity especially to young generation.
The Top Penang help generate income from
variety of businesses and create a wide
range of job options. Tourism is considered
as one of the world's largest and fastest-
growing sectors on a global scale.

THE TOP PENANG IMPACTS OF THE TOP PENANG 17

ECONOMY IMPACTS

NEGATIVE IMPACTS

INFRASTRUCTURE RAISING IN
COST PRICES

The expense of infrastructure is One of the most obvious economic
another aspect of tourism that has a consequences of tourism is that it raises
negative economic impact. Tourism the cost of living in the surrounding area.
development may be quite expensive Travelers' demand for The Top Penang has
for both the local government and the risen as a result of the availability of
citizens in the area. essential services and goods, which has
Tourism may need the government's resulted in rising costs that have had a
investment in infrastructure such as negative effect on local people's incomes.
airports, roads, and other facilities, all
of which are expensive. It is possible The growth of tourism and the
that money spent in these areas consequent increase in demand for real
would minimise the amount of money estate may result in greater building costs
required by the government in other and land values. It is common for this to
essential areas such as education and result in development or the displacement
health. of residents from tourist destinations.

THE TOP PENANG IMPACTS OF THE TOP PENANG 18

Social Improving the country's infrastructure


Impacts
The Top Penang builds a theme park that attracts
The term "Social Impact" refers to the effect of people's local and international visitors, encouraging the
interactions with a location. Certain consequences may organisation to give the best infrastructure and
come from the fact that tourist experiences require a services possible. This job's goal is to keep their
personal connection. In general, social impacts in establishment's brand and quality maintained for
tourism are related to the influences and changes that a long time. The first impression of a visitor was
occur between visitors and hosts, or between hosts and vital in promoting their area globally. The road is
guests (Westcott, 2021). In studies of these encounters, one of the upgraded infrastructures. This benefits
the Social Exchange Theory, which explains how visitors' both the tourist and the locals who live along the
and hosts' behavior changes as a result of the perceived route. Improving a road's condition may help
benefits and hazards they generate during contact, is drivers feel more secure. Because this location is
often used (Nunkoo, 2015). in the center of Penang Island, both tourists and
locals can use public transportation to go around
more quickly, even if they don't own a car.
However, Top Penang's location is surrounded by
tourist attractions, prompting the government to
modernise infrastructure by providing public
transit for both tourists and locals.

Income and money circulation from tourists might
result in an increase in employment prospects for
host communities that need more staff due to the

increased number of tourists

With 18 attractions, The Top Penang is the
world's largest indoor theme park. A larger
number of attractions necessitates more
employees or staff to oversee each one. This
gives a possibility for residents of the host
country to work at The Top Penang. Due to the
increase in visitors, mainly foreigners, the
company has boosted its workforce count.
Working as a waiter/waitress or as a
cashier/chef is also possible. There, employees
must be able to speak both Bahasa Malaysia and
English, and willing to work holiday or weekend
shifts. They just ask for three things from
employees. Additional reason to submit a
resume is that many people have lost work in
Covid-19. This offers benefits such as insurance,
medical bills, EPF/Socso, and overtime pay.

THE TOP PENANG IMPACTS OF THE TOP PENANG 19

Csooncfilaiclctcushlbatuentrgweeeaennd An increase in foreign visitors from diverse
The1e9fcfericstaisorrofinvthavelisCiotovrid- nations has resulted in a social transformation or
cultural conflict. Experiencing our culture may be
StCaonmdmaredricsiaatliiosnataionnd detrimental. These lifestyles will cause open
exposure, which will negatively impact our
THE TOP PENANG culture. Inequality in cultures, ethnic and religious
groupings, beliefs and lifestyles, languages, and
levels of affluence raises the possibility for
cultural confrontations (Samson, 2015). When
anti-tourist sentiments begin to arise among the
local population, it is possible for local residents'
attitudes about tourism expansion to shift from
euphoria to apathy, dissatisfaction, and maybe
hostility (Stainton, 2021).

The Top Penang is a prominent theme park on Penang
Island, and it is one of the most visited attractions by
tourists. In addition, the present Covid-19 situation
affects the health of tourists to Top Penang. Even if
they followed the Ministry of Health's requirements,
the daily influx of tourists and locals was
uncontrollable. It is harmful to the daily visitors' health.
Even though some visitors follow the SOP and keep
their distance, those who do not will infect the visitors'
health, especially those who did not obtain the vaccine.
This is such a serious issue that visitors must follow
Ministry of Health guidelines to avoid virus infection.
Moreover, Top Penang workers must strictly monitor
visitors' behaviour. It may avert other problems like the
closure of the Top Penang due to infected tourists'
Covid-19 cases.

Finally, standardization and commercialization have had a significant societal
influence in the Top Penang. Destinations face the risk of becoming
homogenized as a result of their efforts to match tourists' expectations for
similar services and experiences. Nonetheless, although landscapes and
lodgings, as well as food and beverage offerings, must meet visitors' desire for
the novel and unfamiliar, they must not be too novel or unique, given that only a
tiny proportion of tourists are looking for totally new experiences, (Stainton,
2021). The fact that the Top Penang provides a large amount of accommodation,
amenities, and infrastructure does not mean that the customers will be satisfied
with the services supplied. This motivates them to make improvements to their
management practices on an annual basis, which requires them to recognize the
requirements and desires of visitors to their location to make improvements.
This new development will be beneficial to the foreigner, but it will have an
impact on the host community as a whole.

IMPACTS OF THE TOP PENANG 20

Environmental
Impacts

POSITIVE IMPACTS

01 The tourists and visitors 02 Not to mention that,
that come to The Top through this tourism,
Penang are able to it promotes
contribute to the sustainable growth
generation of funds for while having the least
the preservation of the amount of negative
natural environment and influence on the
scenery that surrounds environment possible.
the location. (Y, 2021)
(BBC, n.d.)

THE TOP PENANG IMPACTS OF THE TOP PENANG 21

Environmental
Impacts

NEGATIVE IMPACTS

01 Congestion and
overcrowding are caused
by the presence of The
Top Penang tower, which
is located near a
shopping mall and other
important landmarks.

02 The region and
surroundings of The
Top Penang have
become a heavy,
crowded, and crammed
part of the urban area,
which has eventually
resulted in the first
negative repercussions
on the environment.

THE TOP PENANG IMPACTS OF THE TOP PENANG 22

From the aspect of economic effect, the ECONOMIC
management of the Top Penang should
establish a price ceiling that includes the
entry charge as well as the prices of food
and beverages served within their
establishment. They must set a reasonable
price so that visitors can afford to purchase a
ticket, food, and beverages while they are
enjoying themselves there.

MConetarosul re

THE TOP PENANG CONTROL MEASURE 23

SOCIAL From the perspective of social impact, the
Top Penang should make certain that locals
and foreigners do not have a conflicting
relationship, and they must treat them fairly
in all aspects. The management must also
construct the carrying capacity of visitor
arrivals each day to ensure that no visitors
will become infected with Covid-19 and to
ensure that it is under control in terms of
social distance besides to limit the close
contact of Covid-19 with other visitors and
staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL From the aspect of environmental effect,
overpopulation will worsen traffic congestion
THE TOP PENANG and may prevent necessary road and
transportation infrastructure from being built or
maintained. Consequently, there would be less
congestion on the roads, less need for fuel, and
reduced overall pollution levels. To encourage
visitors to travel by public transportation, the Top
Penang can also arrange their own bus service
that would pick them up at any bus station and
transport them to their location. On a daily basis,
they must also monitor the flow of visitors and
the activities of those guests. As a result, the
negative environmental impact will decreased.

CONTROL MEASURE 24

Analysis of

Impact

ECONOMIC

The Top Penang existing have given many positive impact for
both local and visitor as the Top Penang bring joy and wild
imagination to not only young generation, but also to youngster
and adult that envy challenge and high places. As the Top Penang
promote many type of activities in one places, this help create
job opportunities. Also, this place help generate income for the
country as visitor from all over the place come visit. However,
there are still negative impact to all of this which effect mostly
the local and government in Penang.

SOCIAL

The Top Penang have become the spotlight when it comes to
adventure place to visit in Penang, a lot of people have been
talking about it, and visitor left the place with a light-hearted
due to the time they spend enjoying at the destination. As
visitor increase, government have to pay attention on the
infrastructure surround the place to let visitor have smooth ride
to the location and at the same time increase more money
circulation. Yet, there are still negative over all the positive
impact which had effect local to satisfy visitor and also the
pandemic had greater effect that cause much concern.

ENVIRONMENTAL

The Top Penang have a mixture of adventure and natural
environment as it provide a dedicated area for preservation
while including a natural scenery surround it, which shows that
the Top Penang not just focus on technologies and high-tech.
Even so, negative impact still occur due the number of visitor
increase and less caring of the issue involve environment.

THE TOP PENANG ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS 25

Future

Planning

Future Planning is one of the key element for any tourism
destination to keep moving forward as the plan keep their
feet on the ground always while their target is above the
sky. It can be in two (2) form of planning, Short-term and
long-term.

As Mr Roy, the operation Manager mention during
interview, the Top Penang only have a long-term planning
in their sleeve for the place as they only want to keep and
retain the place as one of the longest serving adventure in
Penang. To keep the place in a long-term run, relationship
between staff is one of the most important relationship to
maintain, beside visitors, as staff is the one who will help in
managing and doing all the different task needed to be done
from small to big and machine related job. Throughout MCO,
not one staff had been detained or resigned, instead they
will be transfer to another outlet, like Genting Highland,
during the Top Penang closed in short-term.

When Covid-19 Pandemic erupt, it leave hundreds of
thousands of Malaysian citizen jobless. Numerous company
and job places had to fired or ask worker leaves without
salary, and many company and theme park had to shut
down due to low funding. Even pandemic struck the world,
one of the Top Penang long-term goal is to continue
running their business as they always do, because the word
“giving up” is not in their dictionary and to continue
growing more until the whole Malaysia aware that the Top
Penang is one of the destination choice during holiday
season.

THE TOP PENANG FUTURE PLANNING 26

Q: Hi Mr. Roy, would you like to introduce about yourself Navindha Vincent
Mr. Roy: Welcome to the Top Penang, my full name is Navindha
Vincent or they called me Roy. I’m 24 years old. I’m the Top 24 years old (in 2021)
Penang’s Operation Manager handle all the operation in Top Operation Manager of
including The Skywalk and all the 16 attraction, I have about 60
staff below me. I have been working here at least in 5 years and 3 The Top Penang
months. When I started my journey at the Top, it was 2016 when I
was only 18 years old. As I had no further education after SPM, I WEIVRETNI
had to find funding to continue my studies. Then, I put step to
move forward to finding the job & that’s why I find it in Penang. I
was from Cheras, Selangor & my hometown is in Melaka. I have 16
attractions & then we are part of entertainment plus
edutainment, 40% entertainment & 60% edutainment. We have
school group that comes in & we educate them about the history,
chemistry, science, mathematics, and geography. In the meantime,
we let kids to have more fun here because here is a theme park &
we called as the first edutainment theme park in Malaysia. We are
the highest icon edutainment tower & our tagline is “The Highest
Iconic Edutainment Tower” & we are the first curve skywalk
building in the world. It is because before this, in many worlds
there have no build any skywalk above the top or the roof of the
building under government of Penang Island. Under this building,
there are offices of the Penang government officer. That is where
we got a chance and opportunity to showcase of what OWG do;
OWG means Only World Group that basically they are the expert
organization in build the theme park in Malaysia. They do have the
Top Penang and also adventure life in Genting Highlands & in Shah
Alam, Jungle Gym Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, in Pahang & more others
which under them. So, my company was quiet big company which
basically doing something great entertainment for all people in
Malaysia.
Q: When The Top Penang first officially opened, what is people
impression towards The Top Penang?
Mr. Roy: Mostly people do not know about The Top Penang and I
would say 80% Penang people also do not know that we have the
theme park here. For their thinking that KOMTAR is a government
building, so they think inside the building just have government
department & did not have anything to see at all. As the time goes
by, we start to grow up where we put an effort in our marketing
plan, marketing decision and that is the way they were brought up
the face of the Top. The effort can be seen which called our main
unique selling is our skywalk. Then, started from that, people
start knowing there is theme park at KOMTAR. By the time we
open, a huge number of people has came in & we can reach
around 5,000 and 6,000 of people per one day. We manage to let
people know that the Top is still alive & until now we try to put
much effort but there are still people did not know about the Top
Penang existence.

THE TOP PENANG INTERVIEW SESSION 27

NOISSES Q: Is there any future planning for The Top Penang like in short term or long
term planning.
Mr Roy: I would say that in the Top, we did not have any short term planning.
We only have a long term planning because we want to retain & want this
place to be one of the longest serving theme parks in Penang. Some owner
cannot afford to pay the salary since MCO exist but we were very lucky
because our owner can even still pay some salary to his staff. For me, my
priority is my staff because they are working here 8 hours a day while
standing. For the long term plan, we keep growing more & we would not
stop giving up because we want to compete in the level that we want the
whole people in Malaysia know that the Top Penang is one of the chosen
place to go during their holidays.
Q: What do you want people to know about The Top Penang?
Mr Roy: I want them to know that the Top Penang is one of the highest iconic
edutainment towers, where most people did not know this place is not only
for children theme park. We want them to know all ages can come here and
spend time with their family. We want people to remember and suggest The
Top Penang to others as a good entertainment, fun, food & everything. Then,
it was a good find thing that you spend your entire time in the Top Penang
where we have Dinosaur Park, Aquarium, Tech Dome and all other varieties
attraction to go here. That is why I say, it covers mostly about geography,
science, and when you going to Tech Dome, you can see in part of Science,
Chemistry, Biology and everything. We do emphasize student to learn and
also have fun in the same time. Also for parents, normally they send children
to school every day and they have time to spend with their family and having
fun only on Saturday and Sunday. So, we encourage people to come out
during weekend while it can also develop knowledge & skill at the same
time. From whatever we do, see & learn is the part of our own interest and
skill so I think it will be a great thing that people know what actually the Top
Penang have provided for people to come here.
Q: Can I ask one more question, you said earlier that you plan in the long
term period so what duration that you target it?
Mr Roy: It depends on the effort of me & my team to put it but I think our
target is range between 1 to 2 years.
Q: After 1 to 2 years, you keep build & plan another planning?
Mr Roy: Yes, we will keep planning another plan. The Top Penang has a plan
& this is one of the latest planning but it is not fully confirm. We plan to
build a resident suite at hotel of the Top. So, that is our long term planning
that we want to retain this place to make people know that KOMTAR is still
alive because before OWG take over, KOMTAR is old building even though
there have government office, but not all people know what there the inside
of the KOMTAR. So, we took over, we build all this attraction & we invested a
lot of money which we spend millions of Ringgit to build this place. So, for
me the Top must move forward & the plan must success. We eventually
update the plan for the Top Penang yearly.
Q: What time this Top Penang officially opened?
Mr Roy: It officially opened in 18 December 2016 & we have grand launching
at that time. This is the first time we launch & actually 2015, we just have the
restaurant but than we did not yet do any launching because we want it to
be fully made & fully done before we want to launch it. After we build all
this, we started to launch the Top Penang.
Q: I think that’s all from us & thank you for spending your time for us.
Mr Roy: No problem and thank you too.

THE TOP PENANG INTERVIEW SESSION 28

REFERENCES

THE TOP PENANG

A. (n.d.). Penang, Komtar. Power Screen, Beyond TV. Retrieved January 26,
2022, from https://www.powerscreen.com.my/komtar-penang

A. (2012, April 16). The KOMTAR Story | Georgetown Penang. Georgetown
Penang Beta. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from
http://georgetownpenang.com/archives/2245

Architecture, F. (2016, June 6). Komtar: Malaysia’s Monument to Failed
Modernism. Failed Architecture.
https://failedarchitecture.com/komtar-malaysias-monument-to-failed-
modernism/

BBC. (n.d.). Positive and negative impacts of tourism - Tourism - KS3 Geography
Revision. BBC Bitesize. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zqk7hyc/revision/3

Ferrarese, M. (2022, January 3). 13 Best Things to Do in KOMTAR at The Top
Penang you Can’t Really Skip. Penang Insider.
https://www.penang-insider.com/the-top-komtar-penang-best-things-to-do/

Hotels.com. (2021). KOMTAR Penang - Mall with rooftop viewing deck in
Georgetown. Penang.Ws.
http://www.penang.ws/penang-attractions/komtar.htm

Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar). (2017, February 5). Penang Travel Tips.
https://www.penang-traveltips.com/bm/malaysia/pulau-pinang/komtar.htm

PETACE. (2021, July 28). PGTMP. https://petace.gov.my/pgtmp/

Samson, E. (2015). SOCIO-CULTURAL IMPACTS OF TOURISM. Slideshare.
https://www.slideshare.net/ejaysamson/sociocultural-impacts-of-tourism

Tye, T. (2017, February 5). KOMTAR. Penang Travel Tips. https://www.penang-
traveltips.com/komtar.htm

THE TOP PENANG REFERENCES 29

REFERENCES

THE TOP PENANG

Westcott, M. (2021, June 4). 1.5 Impacts of Tourism – Introduction to Tourism
and Hospitality in BC – 2nd Edition. Pressbooks.
https://opentextbc.ca/introtourism2e/chapter/1-x-impacts-of-tourism/

Wikipedia contributors. (2021, November 9). Komtar. Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komtar

Y. (2021, April 16). Positive impacts of tourism on the environment. Yo Nature.
https://www.yonature.com/positive-impacts-tourism-environment/

Yeap, T. (2020, November 19). KOMTAR Tower Lights Up In Orange Indicating
George Town Now An Orange Zone. Penang Foodie.
https://penangfoodie.com/george-town-penang-orange-zone/

Stainton, D. (2019, June 27). Economic Impacts Of Tourism - Tourism Teacher.
Tourism Teacher. https://tourismteacher.com/economic-impacts-of-tourism/.

T. (2019, February 4). Career | THE TOP Penang Theme Park | Penang Highest
Iconic Entertainment Tower. THE TOP Penang Theme Park | Penang Highest
Iconic Entertainment Tower. https://thetop.com.my/career/.

Stainton, H. (2021, June 15). Social impacts of tourism. Tourism Teacher.
https://tourismteacher.com/social-impacts-of-tourism/

The Top Penang. (2021, November 11). Home. THE TOP Penang Theme Park |
Penang Highest Iconic Entertainment Tower. https://thetop.com.my/

THE TOP PENANG REFERENCES 30

DICES
APPEN

THE TOP PENANG APPENDICES 31

THE TOP PENANG APPENDICES 32

TRAVELING
LEAVES YOU
SPEECHLESS
THEN TURNS
YOU INTO A
STORYTELLER.

Neila Rey, 
Travel Bug Channel