Eye on Malaysia to spin again in Malacca

The Eye on Malaysia, which came to a stop early this year due to a legal wrangle, is likely to start spinning again soon.

Chief Minister Datuk Mohd Ali Rustam said this followed successful negotiations with the owners of the 62m-tall observation wheel, Fitraco NV of Belgium.

The Ferris wheel will be managed by the operators of the Malacca Wonderland Theme Park.

The new deal will see the Belgian company being paid RM100,000 for the lease of the wheel.

"We would like to see it spinning as soon as possible," said Ali after opening the new Malacca Football Association building here yesterday.

He added that Fitraco, however, wanted the paperwork involving the new deal to be completed before it allowed the wheel to start spinning.

Earlier, negotiations between the state and Fitraco for the purchase of the wheel hit a snag when both parties couldn't agree on the price for the wheel.

MST Ad Suria was the company responsible for bringing the Eye on Malaysia to the country as part of Visit Malaysia Year 2007, while Eye On Malaysia Sdn Bhd (EOM) was the operator of the attraction.

Fitraco had said it had not received any settlement of RM18 million owed by MST Ad Suria and EOM.

The Belgian company gained legal possession over the wheel on Jan 7, following a successful suit brought against Ad Suria at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to recover a lease loan of RM18 million last year.

Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Eye on Malacca

Some 10,000 locals and tourists gathered at the Malacca rivermouth to witness the launch of the 60m Eye on Malaysia ferris wheel here on Friday night.

Guests and members of the public, including 400 orphans from six orphanages, were treated to free rides until 3am on Saturday after it was launched by Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

The ferris wheel was brightly lit and performances by local artistes including Ning Baizura and Mawi kept the crowd entertained as they waited to have a ride.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam hoped the RM50mil project would attract visitors although the world was in an economic downturn.

New wonder: A fireworks display lighting the sky during the official launch of the Eye On Malaysia at the Malacca rivermouth on Friday.

“I believe, with the Eye On Malaysia, we will draw more visitors and hit our target of 6.8 million tourist by year’s end,” he told reporters at a press conference after the launch.

The attraction was expected to lure 700,000 visitors for rides, in particular tourists from neighbouring countries, he said.

Ferris wheel operator Ad Suria Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Adam Yong Abdullah said the 42 air-conditioned gondolas of the ferries wheel would be the main attraction on the 1.6ha leisure park.

“The park will have three attractions, the first being the Eye On Malaysia. A 30m by 60m water screen will be ready by December and a 4D space exhibition will be operational by February next year,” he said.

He said the water screen, tipped to be the largest in the region, would display scenes of Malacca’s landmarks and the exhibition would give patrons a feel of outer space.

For orphan Mohd Amirul, 14, from Rumah Budak Laki-Laki Tun Abdul Aziz, the ride was an adventure.

“I was excited and nervous. I was afraid at first but felt better when my friends assured me that everything would be fine during the 12-minute ride,” he said, adding that he hoped to have a second go.

Among those present were Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar, his Deputy Datuk Saiffuddin Abdullah, Malacca Historic City Council mayor Yusof Jantan and State Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Seet Har Cheow.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2008]

Eye on Malaysia to be relocated to Malacca

IF YOU visit Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur at night from now on, you will be sure to feel a sense of emptiness. Why?

New base: The Eye on Malaysia will be relocated to Malacca soon.

There is a vacuum there now that the lights of the iconic Eye on Malaysia at the lake garden are switched off following the final day of its operation there on Merdeka Day.

The 60m-high Ferris wheel had been operating at the Taman Titiwangsa since January last year, but it will be dismantled and relocated to Malacca this week.

According to Widyanty Yusope, the executive director of MST AD Suria Sdn Bhd, the operator of the Eye on Malaysia, the structure was originally put up in conjunction of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 (VMY’07), but its operation was extended to Aug 31 this year, following popular demand.

“With the conclusion of the VMY’07, our contract has also come to an end,” Widyanty said.

Starting on Thursday: Cross explaining the dismantling process of the Ferris wheel.

“We are sad to leave Lake Titiwangsa,” MST AD Suria events marketing executive Rahyu Waris said..

Throughout the 20 months at Lake Titiwangsa, the Ferris wheel with 42 gondolas had attracted nearly 1.8 million visitors.

The once quiet Taman Titiwangsa was bustling with activities following the setting up of the tourist attraction, which took visitors up in the air to view the breathtaking Kuala Lumpur skyline during the 12-minute ride.

Widyanty: The Eye on Malaysia will be opened to public in October in Malacca.

Next to the wheel, there was an Eye Cafe for visitors to enjoy a cuppa beside the scenic lake.

The dismantling work will start on Thursday, led by four engineers from the German-Swiss manufacturer and assisted by 16 local workers.

“Only the manufacturer’s engineers and technicians know how to dismantle each part of the giant wheel and how to specially load the parts into the containers,” operations manager Graeme Cross said.

The first few steps of the dismantling process involve clearing up the walkway where visitors queued up to get on to the Ferris wheel, and taking down the fencing and entrance roof.

“After clearing the loading base, the gondolas will be taken off, followed by the storm bars, rim beams, spokes, globes and finally the axle,” Cross said.

“Given the optimum conditions, including fair weather, the work will be completed within six days. All the parts will be transported to Malacca, while the steel pins currently holding the parts together will be replaced with new ones,” he said.

In the historical city, the structure will be permanently installed at Kota Laksamana at the Malacca River mouth, close to the Straits of Malacca.

“It will be a 1.6ha leisure park equipped with a water screen, two restaurants and a space exhibition. We will develop it in three phases,” Widyanty said.

The structures at the park, according to her, will be a combination of modern and traditional buildings.

“It will be opened to the public in October and we target to have 700,000 visitors for the first year there,” Widyanty said.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2008]

"Eye on Malaysia" series next year

The Discovery Channel will premiere a series comprising five half-hour documentaries on the Malaysian culture and way of life by local film-makers, next year, said Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Dubbed “Eye on Malaysia”, he said the programme, a smart partnership between the ministry and National Film Development Corporation and Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, was aimed at harnessing the talent of local film-makers.

Interested applicants are invited to submit an original story outline or treatment for a 30-minute documentary.

They have until Oct 13 to submit their story outline or treatment and proposed production budget for the documentary which explores issues or events relating to the theme.

Further details on the “Eye on Malaysia” can be obtained at www.discoverychannelasia.com.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2008]

Eye on Malaysia to be one-of-a-kind attraction

The state’s RM40mil Eye on Malaysia project will include several features to make it a one of its kind tourist attraction.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said that besides the ferris wheel, there would also be a 90m water screen and entertainment rides.

He said the project was being carried out under a 60-40 joint-venture between Kumpulan Melaka Berhad (KMB) and the current operators of the Eye On Malaysia, MST AD Suria Sdn Bhd.

“The 60m ferris wheel is scheduled to arrive here in September and become operational by Oct 18,” he told reporters this after performing the ground-breaking ceremony here yesterday.

Mohd Ali said a month of festivities along the Malacca River would be held to announce the Eye’s move from Taman Tasik Titiwangsa to its permanent home at a 2ha site along the Kota Laksamana coastline next to a RM24 mil marina project.

Once operational, the ferris wheel is expected to attract 700,000 visitors in a year.

Meanwhile, Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him voiced his concerns over the project.

“It is a waste of money to have the ferris wheel here as there is already the Eye On Melaka and the Taming Sari viewing tower,” he said.

He said tourists wanted to experience the state's culture and heritage and not “view it from above.”

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2008]

Eye on Malaysia to stay till 31 Aug 2008

FOR those who missed the joy ride in the sky at Lake Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur last year, here is the good news.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor has announced that the year-long season of the Eye on Malaysia Ferris wheel will be extended by eight months till Merdeka Day this year.

Quiet time: The Eye on Malaysia is fairly quiet in the mornings.

The Ferris wheel was open to the public in January last year in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2007. The machine was supposed to be taken down last month but the ministry decided to extend the joy ride till Aug 31 this year.

During the whole of last year, more than a million people had taken the joy rides on the Ferris wheel.

Although the Ferris wheel is an attraction to tourists and local visitors from other states, the residents in the surrounding lake area are unhappy with it as the upmarket residential area has become crowded with vehicles and people, especially at night and during weekends and public holidays when special events are held there.

“Every time there is an event, party or celebration, cars are parked everywhere along the road causing a major traffic disruption,” said administrative assistant Mohd Hatta Ishak, whose office occupies one of the houses in the area.

Hatta said that the area was often crowded on weekends and public holidays but that did not affect the offices as they were closed on those days.

For resident Connie Wong, going out for dinner is an occasion she dreads as cars are often parked at junctions and along the roads in the residential area.

“When my family needs to go out for a meal or to attend other functions at night, we have to go out much earlier or else we will definitely be blocked by traffic chaos right in front of our home,” she said.

Wong fears that if there is an emergency she would definitely have a hard time getting out of the area.

During a StarMetro visit in the morning, the place looked fairly quiet with only a handful of busses and taxis waiting for passengers.

According to a visitor from Penang who just wants to be identified as Lim, the fares of RM15 for an adult and RM8 for a child are too high.

“For those with big families, it would cost them a lot to ride on the Ferris wheel,” he said.

Lim hopes that the fare would be lowered to encourage more locals to take rides on it instead of just tourists.

Lim said that the Eye on Malaysia should be taken to other states to allow more people to enjoy it.

Local newspapers had reported that residents in the area have no objection to the Ferris wheel staying on till Aug 31 this year but they want the authorities to take concrete measures to resolve the traffic chaos and problems like parking, vandalism, snatch thefts and the frequent break-ins to houses and cars.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) director-general Datuk Salleh Yusof said the DBKL would monitor the situation in the area and would look into the complaints by residents.

He said the DBKL would consider stationing officers in the area and provide more parking bays for busses.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the Federal Territories Ministry and the DBKL would hold a meeting with the residents on Jan 12.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2008]

The Eye looks set to stay by the lake in KL

If Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor has his way, the Eye on Malaysia will be another icon of Kuala Lumpur, standing tall and proud along with the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and the KL Tower.

Realising how popular the tourist attraction by the Tasik Titiwangsa has become over the past year, the Tourism Minister plans to keep it there, with the help of City Hall.

“When we were planning to bring in the facility for Visit Malaysia Year 2007, I was told that the projected number of visitors was 300,000. However, by September, some one million people have visited the Eye on Malaysia.

“This shows visitors are attracted to it and it would be a good idea to have it as a permanent fixture for tourists. However, we will have to discuss with the City Hall as the site where the wheel stands belongs to the authority,” he said.

A new icon: The Eye of Malaysia at Tasik Titiwangsa, with the Petronas Twin Towers in the background. By September, some one million people had visited the tourist attraction that was launched in January last year.

Speaking to reporters yesterday after presenting cash to students who excelled in their UPSR and PMR examinations, Tengku Adnan said several other matters needed to be sorted out, including the dispersal of traffic and basic facilities such as parking and toilets.

“We will also have to look into the concerns voiced by people living nearby. Their complaints are mostly about the traffic so we have to find a way to solve this.

“Having the Eye on Malaysia permanently will be good for the tourism industry. We hope to work out something so that it remains here,” he said, adding that the attraction would be available until August.

On another matter, Tengku Adnan said his ministry had directed the organisers of Malaysia International Space Adventure (Misa) to include more interactive features to the exhibition, adding that discussions were also being held with the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry to invite Angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to share his experience with visitors.

He said the number of visitors to the exhibition had yet to reach 5,000 daily, due mainly to the location and transport problems.

Currently, Misa received about 1,200 visitors every day, he said, adding that not many people were interested in an exhibition that was educational in nature.

“We are tying up with tour operators to include Misa as part of their visit to Putrajaya. We have also distributed 10,000 tickets to residents to encourage students and youngsters to learn more about space,” he said.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2008]

Eye on Malaysia fails to draw the crowd

An almost deserted ticketing counter and entrance

at the Eye on Malaysia at 1.35pm yesterday.

Has the novelty of a bird’s eye view of the city lost its appeal? The world’s largest mobile Ferris wheel, the Eye on Malaysia, was bereft of the anticipated Sunday crowd yesterday at 1.35pm.

The RM30 million wheel in the Titiwangsa Lake Gardens was launched on Jan 6 to kick off Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

The Ferris wheel offers rides in gondolas with a view overlooking the Kuala Lumpur skyline and includes a nightly water screen display on Theatre of the Waters for the whole year.

The lake, a mining pool in the 1970s, is located beside some of the country’s cultural and traditional icons such as Istana Budaya, National Art Gallery, as well as the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Menara Kuala Lumpur.

Eye on Malaysia’s operator, MST Ads executive director Widyante Yusope, when asked why the crowds were missing, replied: "I am not there, I’m not aware of the situation. I’m in Singapore.

"It’s very hot at that time.

"The crowds come after 5pm when it’s cooler."



Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Tour operators Cashing in on 'Eye' may Lose Permits

KUALA LUMPUR: Tour operators are demanding a higher commission to take tourists to the Eye of Malaysia — the latest attraction in Kuala Lumpur.

Barely a week since the biggest Ferris wheel ride in the country was launched, the Tourism Ministry received complaints that some in-bound operators are expecting a 50 per cent commission on the cost of the ride.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, displeased with the complaints, said yesterday the licences of these tour operators might be revoked if they persisted.

"They are negotiating with the Ferris wheel operator because they want to send bus-loads of tourists daily," Tengku Adnan said.

"I’m not happy with this ‘mafia’ system. The operators had earlier agreed to a 30 per cent commission but now they are demanding an additional 20 per cent."

The Eye on Malaysia ride costs RM15 for adults and RM8 for children and senior citizens.

"We will look into the matter and take appropriate action," Tengku Adnan said after chairing the annual Tourism Malaysia overseas directors’ meeting.

He said the ministry had been given RM250 million this year for promotion activities. Estimated receipts from tourism this year are expected to be RM44.5 billion.

The ministry is also developing contingency plans to ensure that tourists would continue to arrive in droves after Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

"We are looking at new marketing strategies, including Internet advertising," he said.

Next year, the ministry has projected a tourism revenue of RM48 billion.



Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) Photo Gallery

New Strait Times have dedicated a section of their website for photography with regards to the Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

NST also encourages the public to send Tourist Pictures taken in Malaysia to this email - mailto:mmailed@nstp.com.my

Tourists waiting to ride "Eye On Malaysia" at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.

Polish tourist (from left) at the Clock Tower, Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

Tourists waiting to ride "Eye On Malaysia" at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.

Tourists from Russia, Oxana, 33, snapping a photo of Arina, 11,

in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building.

Marte Bravdal , 21, (left) and friend Ingrid Sandved Nordli, 21, from Norway at Petronas KLCC.

View More Pictures at NST VMY Photo Gallery



Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]

Eye on Malaysia opens until Dec 31

KUALA LUMPUR: The Eye on Malaysia ferris wheel at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa will be open to the public until Dec 31.

Set up in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007, anyone taking a ride in its 42 gondolas will be able to view major landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers and Menara Kuala Lumpur during the 12-minute ride.

Among those who enjoyed the ride yesterday was broadcast journalist Khairulanuar Yahaya who said it was a new and enjoyable experience that should not be missed.

“I feel very safe when I’m inside the gondola and the view is breathtaking.”

Eye on Malaysia is open from 10am to 10pm daily.

Companies or individuals can also hire gondolas for RM100 with a maximum of eight passengers while those who want a special treatment can opt for the VIP gondola.

Related News on Eye of Malaysia - Click on Eye

Star Picture Gallery (More Pictures)

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]

Malaysia Welcomes the World in Style

KUALA LUMPUR: It's a truly extravagant and successful celebration. The Visit Malaysia 2007 launch was celebrated in pomp and splendour at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here last night.

Even the rain did not dampen the spirit of the tens of thousands, both local and foreign, who gathered as early as noon to witness the celebration.

Colourful fireworks illuminated the sky throughout the celebration.




Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the campaign and the 60m-high Eye on Malaysia ferris wheel.

Abdullah arrived at 9.05pm in a Bufori car but it took him almost 20 minutes just to reach the stage as he was surrounded by scores of people who gathered around the moving vehicle to get a glimpse of him.

The event was telecast live to 10 countries like Australia, China, Taiwan, Japan and Singapore.
The crowd, which comprised some 600 foreign journalists and ambassadors, was earlier treated to cultural performances and singing by Anita Sarawak, Michael Wong and Sheila Majid, among others.

The two Malaysians who are eyeing to be the nation’s first angkasawan – Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed – went up on the stage to meet Abdullah.

The prime minister then proceeded to the Eye on Malaysia on a boat across the lake.

After launching it, Abdullah took a ride on one of the gondolas to get a breathtaking view of the capital at night.

The Eye on Malaysia will be opened to the public today.

The crowd was then treated to another round of fireworks display and a jet-ski stunt.
American tourist Michael Bernath, 42, said the campaign was “very attractive and beautiful”.

“People here are very helpful. There are so many different cultures here. I will definitely come back in the future,” he said.


Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa to be ‘The Place’ in the City

KUALA LUMPUR: Taman Tasik Titiwangsa will be turned into the latest tourist destination in the city, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007.

Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said the Government wanted to make the former mining lake and its surroundings a happening spot to attract both local and foreign tourists.

The main attraction is the 60m-high “Eye on Malaysia” ferris wheel launched last Saturday. Several programmes will also be lined up for the lake area.

“The ministry will work closely with other related bodies to plan interesting activities and programmes at the lake,” he told reporters after launching the “Deng Nai Rong” oil painting exhibition at Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia here yesterday.

“We want it to be ‘the place’ in the city, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful lake and the breathtaking view of the capital,” Lim said.

On another matter, Lim said the ministry had held discussions with the police on ways to beef up security at popular tourist destinations nationwide.

“I was told that the number of policemen patrolling such areas will increase from 300 to 2,000,” he added.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]

Eye on Malaysia ready to spin but . . .

KUALA LUMPUR: Everything is in place for the grand opening of the Eye on Malaysia in two days — except for one important detail.

The organisers, MST Ad Suria Sdn Bhd, said the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) had not completed their inspection of the giant Ferris wheel in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here.

But MST is optimistic they will make it on time for Saturday’s launch.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is scheduled to try it at 8.30pm.

"We should have DOSH’s approval by tomorrow (today)," said project director Jeroen Nijpels.

He said though it may seem the project was rushed to meet the deadline, the Ferris wheel was safe.

"We would never compromise on safety. Although this was a fast-track project, it was not rushed," he said.

"We started piling at the end of October and installation of the wheel started on Dec 23.

"It usually takes 10 days to put up the wheel, but here we have taken two weeks," he said, adding that the Eye is the biggest transportable wheel in Southeast Asia.

And if DOSH does not give its approval in time, he said the launch will be postponed.

MST executive director Widyanty Yusope said the RM30 million project had been organised in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

"Visitors can expect to have a good view of the city from the wheel, including KL Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers, Genting Highlands and Istana Budaya," she said. "And there will be daily shows as well."

Nijpels said the 60-metre Ferris wheel has 42 air-conditioned gondolas which can each accommodate eight people. Two gondolas will be reserved for the disabled. There is also a VIP gondola.

The 12-minute ride will cost RM15 for adults, and RM8 for children and concessionaires.

Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]

Ferris Wheel Draw for KL - Eye On Malaysia

PILING work has begun at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa where a 60m-high ferris wheel with 42 gondolas will be installed as one of the major attractions for Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

According to a contractor, soil testing was carried out about two weeks ago to test the ground before the structure is installed.

“We have been working 24 hours to ensure that the structure is up before the launch date on Jan 6,” he said.

The ferris wheel will be installed for the whole of next year as one of the attractions to attract tourists.

Called Eye On Malaysia, it will provide city folks with a view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

“The gondolas will be air-conditioned and can take in eight adults at a time. They will offer a bird’s-eye-view of the KL skyline,” said head of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 (VMY 2007) secretariate Hashimah Nik Jaafar.

“The ferris wheel is of Swiss technology and will be specially brought in as one of the main attractions for VMY 2007.”

Apart from the ferris wheel, there will activities like jet ski shows, fireworks display and pyrotechnics as well as laser shows at the lake garden during the night.

Visit Malaysia Year 2007 banners with the ferris wheel logo are already up at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.“A 50ft-by-40ft TV screen will be installed to show scenes of Malaysian history from pre- to post independence,” said Hashimah.

“It is significant as VMY 2007 coincides with the nation’s 50th National Day celebrations, hence our theme ‘Celebrating 50 Years of Nationhood’,” she added.

More news on Eye of Malaysia - Click on Eye

By BAVANI M

Photos by SAM THAM and courtesy of TOURISM MALAYSIA

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]

“Eye on Malaysia” Ferris Wheel set to be Top Tourist Draw

KUALA LUMPUR: A 60-metre high structure “Eye on Malaysia”, similar to the “London Eye”, will be unveiled at the launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2007 on Jan 6 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will, at a click of a button, light up the Ferris wheel comprising 42 gondolas to start the celebrations.

“The Prime Minister will then take a 45-minute ride on the wheel to see the breathtaking view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline,” said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

“Apart from the Ferris wheel, there will be activities like water skiing, fireworks display as well as a laser show at the lake,” he told a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre’s Dewan Tun Hussein Onn yesterday.

“A giant screen will be installed to show scenes of Malaysian history from pre- to post-independence.”

Tengku Adnan said it would cost RM30mil to set up the wheel and discussions were still ongoing on whether the structure would remain a permanent feature after next year.

He said that on a clear day, Ferris wheel passengers could see the KL Tower and as far as 20km.

The structure is in its final stage of construction and will open to the public on Jan 7.
The Swiss technology used to make the giant wheel is the result of a strategic partnership between a Malaysian company known as MST AD Suria Sdn Bhd and an Australian company.

He said Taman Tasik Titiwangsa was picked as the venue for the launch over Dataran Merdeka because the ministry wanted to promote the spot as a new tourist destination.
He said 240 events would be organised nationwide next year, with 50 to be held on a large scale.

The other major events would include a floral parade, an international aerospace exhibition and an international fireworks contest.

“We are targeting 20.1million tourist arrivals next year, and we expect to generate an income of about RM44.5bil. Eighty per cent of the tourists are expected from Asian countries, with more than 60% from Singapore,” he said.

The London Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel at 135m high and is located on the banks of the Thames River, offering an unrivalled view of the city.

Visited by over 3.5 million people a year, it is a breathtaking feat of design and engineering, and passengers in the London Eye's capsules can see up to 40km in all directions.

More news on Eye of Malaysia - Click on Eye

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]