300 expats appeal for access to golf course

Saturday, 08 November 2008 13:49

GEORGE TOWN: Some 300 Japanese expatriates living and working here are appealing to be allowed use of the golf course of the Kristal Golf Resort in Sungai Bakap, which has gone into receivership.

Since the resort closed its doors on July 23 last year, itmembers -- some of whom work with multinationals such as Pen Group, Texchem, Renesas Semiconductor, Sony Corporation and Fuji Electric -- have not been able to use the golf course.

One member, former businessman Tatsushi Yamamura, 63, who is here under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, said that he had paid the membership fees and visited the resort only a few times before it ceased operating.

"Golfing is an important social activity for Japanese expatriates here."

In fact, many Japanese retirees were of the view that inexpensive golf in the state was a major reason to retire here. Another member, Kenichi Matsumo, 46, who is Fuji Electric senior general manager, said there should be a law to protect the members.

The resort closed without any explanation and members were not refunded their membership fees.

Corporations had paid between RM40,000 and RM50,000 while individuals paid between RM36,000 and RM42,000.

Bukit Bendera member of parliament Liew Chin Tong said he was informed that a new management had taken over the club after it was placed into receivership.

He said the new management was maintaining the golf club but had not reopened it to previous members.

Liew said he had raised the issue in Parliament and was awaiting a reply.

Source NSTonline

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