KUANTAN: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah launched the newest landmarks here – Menara Kuantan 188 and Putra Bridge – in conjunction with the state capital's elevation to city status, today.
Al-Sultan Abdullah launched the developments virtually, while the Regent of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah attended the opening ceremony at Menara Kuantan 188.
The King, in his pre-recorded speech when opening both landmarks, described the event as another significant milestone and historical event for Pahang.
The Ruler said he and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah will always pray that the people of Pahang will be in good health and for God to spare them any misfortune.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail described Menara Kuantan 188 as one of the high-impact projects implemented by the federal government through the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).
He said upon completion last year, the project was handed over to the state government, which is committed to turning it into a main attraction in the city and across Pahang.
"The tower will complement other tourism attractions, including Taman Kerang Kuantan, Taman Esplanade Kuantan and Teruntum mini-zoo, located not far from here. The tower is part of a series of projects to enhance the Kuantan Waterfront, a key attraction in the city.
"The initiative will expedite efforts by the Kuantan City Council to revive the Kuantan Waterfront and Kuantan River Cruise, along with nearby attractions. To maximise the tourism potential here, the council will create a historical trail along the Kuantan Esplanade which will display the cultural heritage of the state for public viewing," he said in his speech.
Tengku Hassanal, who was accompanied by Wan Rosdy and Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, later visited a gallery located at the ground floor of the tower.
The ceremony ended with a fireworks display and colourful boat parade on Sungai Kuantan.
At 180 metres, Menara Kuantan 188 is Malaysia's second-tallest freestanding tower after the Kuala Lumpur Tower, which stands 421-metres high.
Visitors to Menara Kuantan 188 are able view the city as they ride two glass elevators to the 104 metre-high observation deck, where they are treated to a bird's eye view of the metropolis; and dine at a restaurant which offers a 360-degree view of Kuantan and Sungai Kuantan, 98 metres above the ground.
The design concept of the tower, with its upright and tapered profile, was inspired by the shape of traditional Malay spear tips, as found on the Pahang state coat of arms.
The design of the tower's viewing deck was inspired by the flowers and leaves of the white Teruntum plant, with "Teruntum" being the original name of the city.
For adventure seekers, the tower also features a 66-metre steel spire which can be climbed to a height of 160 metres above ground.
Meanwhile, the 451-metre dual carriageway Putra Bridge will ensure smoother traffic flow for motorists heading to the city centre and Indera Mahkota from Bandar Putra, Tanjung Lumpur.
The 2.5-km project by the Public Works Department, which begins at the intersection of Jalan Pintas Bukit Setongkol and Jalan Tanah Putih, is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion from Gambang and Bandar Indera Mahkota to Tanjung Lumpur.
Meanwhile, ECERDC chief executive officer Baidzawi Che Mat described the Kuantan Waterfront development project as part of an overall strategy to boost tourism as well as further generate investor interest in the city and surrounding areas.
"This will bring spill-over socio-economic activities to benefit the people. The 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 impacts," he said in a statement today.