Visit Malaysia Year launches in spectacular style

In a spectacle befitting the excitement of the year ahead, Kuala Lumpur made a sensational entry into ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2007’ on Saturday night.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Dadawi launched the latest tourist attraction in Malaysia – the ‘Eye on Malaysia’, a 60 metre ferris wheel located on the lake at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.

More than 30,000 locals and hundreds of visiting media and dignitaries ushered in the first major event of ‘Visit Malaysia Year’ when, with the push of a button, the Prime Minister triggered an impressive light and sound show on and around the ‘Eye’.

The Prime Minister told the large crowd that ‘Visit Malaysia Year’ is about bringing Malaysia to the world and the world to Malaysia.

“The time is now, the place is Malaysia; there is so much more to explore, so much to experience,” said the Prime Minister.

More than 2,000 performers entertained, among them some 30 Australians who thrilled the crowd as they zoomed around Lake Titiwangsa on jet skis and behind fast stunt boats pulling waterskiers with lit torches and flags.

They mesmerized the audience with a synchronized laser show designed by one of the most accomplished production teams in the world – a group of Australian entertainment professionals whose credits include the Olympic Games, Disneyland, the World Cup and the awesome Commonwealth Games entertainment in Melbourne.

The Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, in conjunction with MST Ad Suria, worked together to launch VMY 2007.

Chief Executive of MST Ad Suria, Adam Yong Abdullah, said the launch was telecast to more than 10 countries, including Australia, China, Taiwan, Japan and Singapore. More than 650 media from 35 countries also attended, ensuring wide coverage of the event around the world.

Visit Malaysia Year 2007 is expected to attract 20 million tourists to the country.

The next spectacular to be scheduled is the Flora Fest, involving 40 countries.

There are fifty national events lined up including ‘Eye on Malaysia’, Colours of Malaysia, Malaysia International Aerospace Exhibition, Mega Sales, a Grand Prix and much more… if there were ever a time to visit this beautiful country, it is now!

Details

6 January – 31 December 2007: Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur. Experience a breathtaking 60-metre high panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur on a memorable Ferris wheel ride.

Not to be missed: the International WaterSky Spectacular, with a laser and water show as well as fireworks extravaganza – at the same venue every night.

For more information on Calendar of Events visit: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Media Enquiries
For further information on the Eye of Malaysia and images,
please contact Karina Borg Olivier on (0405) 438 074, [email protected]
or Andrea Plawutsky on (0419) 970 984, [email protected].