AS Covid-19 crippled the tourism sector, Vila Padu owner Zulhisham Ayub, 61, made a bold move by building four luxury holiday accommodations in Terengganu.

The founder of the media and advertising agency Oranje-ISC said he thought of the idea during the lockdowns earlier this year, which saw hotels shutting down due to the epidemic. 

“The epidemic has wrecked the industry. But I believe it will end and the sector will revive.

“And where will Malaysians go on holiday after Covid-19 if many hotels are closed? So I see the opportunity,” he told The Malaysian Insight. 

In fact, Zulhisham is confident his luxury villas will be well received because they meet the needs of Malaysians who want to go on holiday without having to worry about getting infected. 

“Because of Covid-19, I understand that Malaysians will be worried if there are too many people in a place, such as staying in a hotel, as there is a high risk of infection. 

“A villa accommodation is suitable especially for those who bring along their children and elderly parents and want to feel safe, because it is isolated from the public,” he said. 

Zulhisham has a luxury villa in Kampung Losong, Kuala Terengganu, which started operating in October. 

Three other villas are located in Pantai Baru Buruk, along Sungai Kampung Serada and Taman KP Perdana. 

Zulhisham said his luxury villa in Kampung Losong is unique as he maintains the concept of traditional wooden houses.

“I bought the house 13 years ago as a family lodge and I converted it into a luxury villa. We maintain the characteristics of a traditional house. But we all know the maintenance of this traditional wooden house is not easy. The cost is very high,” he said.

Why Terengganu?

Zulhisham said he chose to open his villas in Terengganu because it was his home state.

Apart from that, he said that as a native of Terengganu, he bears the responsibility of boosting tourism in the state.

This is because it is clear that Terengganu has many tourism products but the state government is not fully utilising their potential. 

“I think Terengganu is a bit behind in service offerings. It is difficult for us to get a really good and comfortable hotel. 

“I know tourists don’t mind paying a little more for comfortable holiday, so I make sure the villas meet their tastes in terms of comfort and cleanliness, strong water pressure, working air-conditioning, complete kitchen equipment facilities and free wifi,” he said.

Terengganu recorded an attendance of 5.2 million domestic and international visitors in 2019. 

According to Tourism Malaysia data, Terengganu saw a 165% increase in tourists after cross-state travel was allowed in June last year. 

Zulhisham added that he has allocated RM10 million for the construction of four luxury villas.

Asked why he was willing to spend so much, he replied that as a businessman, that was the risk to take. 

“This is the mentality of business people. I am sure I can do it. I want to be in a market that no one else is in. 

“In Terengganu, how many people are able to open a luxury villa accommodation like I can? Not many dare to take this risk,” he added. – December 28, 2021.