Eye On Malaysia to launch VMY 2007

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, at a click of a button, would light up the Ferris wheel with 42 gondolas to start the celebrations. 

"The Prime Minister will then take a slow 45-minute ride on the wheel to see the breath-taking 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 a Jet Ski show, fireworks display as well as a laser show at the lake. 

"A giant screen will be installed to show scenes of Malaysian history from pre- to post-independence," he told a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre's Dewan Tun Hussein Onn Monday. 

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

He said there would be 240 events next year nationwide, with 50 big ones. 

Besides the Eye on Malaysia, the other four major events would be a floral parade, an international aerospace exhibition, the international fireworks competition and international buskers, plus the Citrawarna Parade. 

Tengku Adnan said for the aerospace exhibition, an actual six-storey space shuttle would be on display. 

"We are re-branding some of the products in the country, such as promoting it as a shopping and gourmet heaven," he added.