KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 — A book, which focuses on the KL Tower, the highest tower in Southeast Asia, highlighting the unique and historical aspects of its construction, was launched here today.

The 254-page book, “Menara KL, Towering Excellence” , was launched by KL Tower Chairman, Datuk Othman Abdul.

It was aimed at supporting the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to promote interesting places in the country in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY 2014).

“The success and achievements of the KL Tower and international events carried out have been compiled into a book of memoirs which also informs the public the idea behind it and the history of its construction,” he told reporters here today.

The book, costing RM120, can be bought at all major bookstores, beginning next month.

Standing 421 metres high, the KL Tower was officially opened on October 1, 1996.

Originally built to fulfil communication needs in the country, it is now known as the location for various international annual events like the KL Tower International Jump Malaysia and the KL Tower International Towerthon.

Meanwhile, General Manager for the VMY 2014 Secretariat Nor Yahati Awang, who was also present at the book launch, said the VMY 2014 calendar would be continued with the Malaysian International Shoe Festival (MISF) at the Putra World Trade Centre from March 27 to 30.

This event would showcase a replica of the largest shoebox in Malaysia, measuring 6.09 metre in length, 3.65 metre in depth and 1.98 metre in height, and has 3D design on its side panel with special effects that create the illusion of depth.

The highlight of MISF 2014 would be a display of five-foot stiletto shoe specially studded with Swarovski crystals, custom-designed by Datuk Jimmy Choo, one of the world’s most recognised shoe makers to royalty and celebrities. 

The giant sparkling shoe costs more than RM80,000 measuring 6.09 metres long and 1.98 metres high, and would also be included into the Malaysia Book of Records.

Nor Yahati said all activities planned for the VMY 2014 have not been affected by the cancellation of the Future Music Festival Asia concert yesterday.

She said the incident, where six people died due to drug overdose, was unexpected.

“The tourism industry is very sensitive. Anything that happens will be related to tourism. But thank God, our programmes will go on as planned,” Nor Yahati said.

FMFA was a programme jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) with a private company, Livescape Sdn Bhd. — Bernama