UK-based visitor attraction operator Merlin Entertainments has announced that it will open a Legoland adventure park in Malaysia.

Merlin has signed an agreement with Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) to operate the park at the northeast corner of Medini Iskandar Malaysia – a 2,300-acre international mixed-use development in the heart of Nusajaya.

Merlin will design and operate the park and will own 20 per cent of the attraction, while a consortium led by IIB will own the rest.

The MR750m (£139m, US$211m, 156m euro) Legoland Malaysia is expected to open to the public in 2013 and will become the fifth Legoland in Merlin's portfolio.

John Jakobsen, managing director, Legoland Parks said: "The Legoland Malaysia Park will build upon the success of our other internationally recognised LEGOLAND Parks in Europe and North America, and we have no doubt that once open it will become the ultimate destination in the region for families with young children."