KL truly a shopping haven

KUALA LUMPUR: The city of Kuala Lumpur has been ranked fourth best for shopping in global news network CNN's survey.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who announced this last night, said the Government's continued effort to boost KL as a shopping haven was bearing fruit. She commended shopping malls and stores on the cooperation extended to the ministry to help make its campaigns a success.

“This is wonderful news. Malaysia Boleh!” she said at the launch of the sixth “A Journey Through Time” watch and jewellery exhibition at Starhill Gallery last night. She said she had been informed that New York, London and Tokyo were placed before KL.

The minister urged malls and shops to hold more events and shows to draw tourists, saying the private sector should work closely with the Government. This would be crucial as Visit Malaysia Year 2014 was drawing close, she added.
Dr Ng said tourists spent over RM17.6bil in the stores last year.

“This is a fantastic development and a testament to Kuala Lumpur, which has achieved the second most visited shopping destination status in the world after Hong Kong,” she added.

YTL Corp Bhd managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh said Starhill Gallery housed the largest dedicated watch floor with the most watch flagship stores in Asia. The event, which runs until Dec 1, showcases 120 luxury watch and jewellery brands.

These include Bedat and Co's Extravaganza Ref 887, Jaeger-LeCoultre's Duomtre Sphrotourbillon Dual-Wing and Maurice Lacroix's Pontos S. There will also be workshops by Swiss watchmakers and Maitres du Temps will launch its first Asian boutique.
-thestar online.