Eye on Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: All eyes will soon be on the biggest Ferris wheel in Malaysia. The RM30 million "Eye on Malaysia" will be erected at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

The 60-metre-high "Eye on Malaysia" will be one of the 50 major attractions introduced by the Tourism Ministry to woo tourists.

Similar to the famous London Eye, it is expected to be a hit among locals and tourists.

Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Victor Wee said the ministry was sponsoring the cost of the Ferris wheel.

A private company has been assigned to overlook its installation and operations.

"Eye on Malaysia", originally installed in Paris, France, will provide visitors with a 20km view of the city. The ride comes with 42 air-conditioned gondolas that can carry eight passengers each.

"It takes 15 minutes to complete each loop, half the time of the London Eye," said Adam Yong Abdullah of MST Ad Suria Sdn Bhd, the company assigned to manage the Ferris wheel.

The London Eye is the largest observation wheel in the world at 135 metres.

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa will also be filled with artwork, decorations and world-class shows. These include pyrotechnic shows by the experts who handled the Melbourne Commonwealth and Sydney Olympic Game.

"Other attractions include a KL Water Ski Extravaganza and giant water projection screens that will display Malaysia's past, present and future stories," he said.

Adam was speaking at the National Conference on Visit Malaysia Year 2007, entitled "The Final Countdown-Maximising Opportunities".

The event, launched by Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim, emphasised the government's plans and preparations for the private sector prior to the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 launch.

Speakers representing Tourism Malaysia, the police, local councils, hotels and transport and tour agents presented papers.

The event also marked the countdown for the launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2007 in five weeks.

Visit Malaysia Year will be the nation's biggest tourism event next year, showcasing Malaysia as the ideal holiday destination for an estimated 20.1 million tourists.

Flora Fest or Floral Padare - Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya & Klang Valley

Join us as we unveil the visit Malaysia Year 2007 celebration with a grand launch. Locals and foreigners alike will have a taste of what Malaysia has to offer in 2007. Will be celebrate with exciting parades, an exciting fireworks display, exhibitions, cultural shows, exciting performances, the unveiling of the 60 metres high Ferris Wheel similar to the "London Eye"; dubbed the "Eye on Malaysia" - a first such structure in South East Asia and a host of other programmes will kick-start the launch and offer great fun and entertainment for everyone.
Vanue at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur

(News extract from: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my)