SINGAPORE : Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) said it
expects its air-conditioning system to be fully restored by this
Friday.
This came after the resort encountered a malfunction
in the system's chilling units on Monday.
RWS said the impact has been minimal, as back-up
systems are in place.
It will also be reviewing procedures to avoid a similar
incident.
The integrated resort (IR) said it's due to a technical fault in
the motor unit of its chilling system.
The resort uses a centralised system, so the problem is
resort-wide.
Clement Ng, Senior Executive of Communications at Resorts World
Sentosa said: "Our chiller units actually undergo regular
maintenance and at the same time, they are monitored round the
clock. However, the part at fault this time round is the motor, and
the parts are not being observed during the regular maintenance. As
such it triggered this incident.
"We view this incident very seriously and we will be stepping up
and reviewing our provisions for air-conditioning as well as
learning from this incident."
The resort said back-up chillers were activated once it got word of
the situation. The move does not restore conditions to a 100 per
cent, but it's expected to minimise the impact on visitors.
A family from Malaysia said their dining experience at the IR was
affected.
"It's very humid, very hot inside so it's very uncomfortable, it's
totally unacceptable. It made the dining experience very
unsatisfactory," said a visitor.
At another store, a couple from New Zealand had a different
view.
"It's very pleasant, we do not have a lot of air-conditioning from
where we come from," said the New Zealand couple. "When you come
inside, it cools you right down nicely."
The resort's Festive Hotel said business has not been affected and
it has not received any complaints from guests.
"We are monitoring the situation very closely. Our room attendants
are working on the floors. We have briefed (them) already to be in
touch with us immediately if they notice the air-conditioning
system is having problems. So we are monitoring from there and we
will take corrective action," said Henry Cheah, director of Rooms,
Festive Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa.
Still, the incident has had some impact.
Two shows of Voyage De La Vie had to be cancelled - with the next
show slated for Friday.
RWS said some customers are seeking a refund, though numbers are
small.
Visitors have the option to switch dates for other shows.
Universal Studios' extended operating hours of 10am to 9pm for the
school holiday period will also resume on Friday.
It's unclear if tenants have lodged complaints for loss of business
as a result of the incident.
RWS said it will work closely to assist them in providing a
pleasant experience for guests.
- CNA /ls
