Must-Visit Destination in Pahang Receives its First Royal Visit
PAHANG, 21 FEBRUARY 2021: Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah officiated the opening of Menara Kuantan 188 and Jambatan Putra tonight, in a ceremony jointly held by Majlis Perbandaran Kuantan (MPK), Jabatan Kerja Raya Negeri Pahang (JKR) and East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) in conjunction with the declaration of Kuantan as “Bandaraya Lestari”.
His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong officiated the event virtually, while Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, the Regent of Pahang representing His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong attended the opening ceremony on the grounds of Menara Kuantan 188. The Regent of Pahang then proceeded to the viewing deck located 92 metres above ground, where His Majesty had a 360-degree view of Kuantan City and the Kuantan River.
The Regent of Pahang was also briefed on the various attractions and activities that Menara Kuantan 188 offers which will drive domestic tourism in Pahang and attract foreign tourists after the pandemic. The attractions include a restaurant located 98 metres above ground which will be opened later, an open viewing deck, skywalk and a guided fall platform at 104 metres above ground. For adventure seekers, the tower also features a 66-metre steel spire where visitors are allowed to climb up to 160 metres above ground.
“We are humbled and honoured to have the opportunity to showcase Menara Kuantan 188 to His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Regent of Pahang. This iconic tower has become a new tourist destination in Pahang and we are confident that this project will play a huge role in creating various opportunities for our rakyat,” said YAB Dato’ Sri Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail, Menteri Besar of Pahang.
The Regent of Pahang was accompanied by Pahang Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Sri Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail. The ceremony ended with a firework display and boat parade on the Kuantan River.
Menara Kuantan 188 is a strategic landmark developed by the Federal Government through ECERDC in partnership with the Pahang State Government. This tower stands as the tallest tower in the East Coast and second tallest lookout tower in Malaysia, after KL Tower. The tower was handed over to the Pahang state government in December last year.
The tower is part of a series of projects to enhance the Kuantan Waterfront, a key asset and cultural heritage that is set to enhance the urban and tourism sector in the area. The Kuantan Waterfront is being developed as a main tourist attraction for local and foreign tourists.
Apart from Menara Kuantan 188, other components of the Kuantan Waterfront include the Kuantan Esplanade, Mercu Junjung Duli, Laman Teruntum, a mangrove reserve, and Serambi Teruntum, a one-stop centre for SME products from Pahang. These destinations will serve as an avenue for the rakyat and local entrepreneurs to benefit from the yield of the tourism industry.
Meanwhile, Putra Bridge is a newly completed bridge crossing Kuantan River from Tanjung Lumpur to Kemunting. This project by Public Works Department will connect Kuantan City to Bandar Putra in Tanjung Lumpur. The bridge will improve access and ease traffic congestion in Kuantan.
“The Kuantan Waterfront development project is part of ECERDC’s overall strategy to boost tourism as well as to further generate investor interest in surrounding areas. This will bring about spillover socio-economic activities to benefit the rakyat. ECERDC will continue to work closely with the State Government and various stakeholders to ensure that the high-impact projects and activities undertaken in the ECER will bring about positive impact as well as balanced and inclusive growth for the rakyat,” concluded Encik Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC.