Ferris wheel gets a permanent home in Malacca

MALACCA: The state will be investing RM42mil in a joint-venture project for the construction of an integrated complex to permanently house the Eye On Malaysia Ferris wheel by the year’s end.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the state had agreed that its subsidiary Kumpulan Melaka Berhad would enter into a 40-60 joint-venture agreement with operators of the Eye On Malaysia, MST AD Suria Sdn Bhd.

“On our part, we have agreed to provide land for the project (and invest) RM12mil, with the remaining being borne by the company concerned,” he told reporters after holding prayers to mark the soft launch of the 110m Taming Sari viewing tower in Bandar Hilir yesterday.

The 60m-high Eye on Malaysia, the largest portable Ferris wheel in the world, is currently operating at Lake Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, until the end of August.

Mohd Ali said the complex will be located on a two-hectare site next to the Malacca River and will include a water screen display and aerospace walk featuring projections to give visitors a feel of being in space.

“The Ferris wheel will become a permanent tourist landmark here and is in line with our effort to promote Malacca as an open-air theme park.

“Several other projects such as the 52-lane bowling centre and international go-kart track in Ayer Keroh are also expected to be completed this year,” he added.

He said the Eye on Malaysia would earn enough to let the operators get back their investment within four years, based on projected ticket sales.

An estimated 6.8 million tourists are expected to visit Malacca this year with the number likely to increase to eight million by 2010.