TELUK INTAN: The 130-year-old Menara Condong Teluk Intan was officially declared a National Heritage tonight.
The declaration was made by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the national-level Chinese New Year open house here.
He congratulated the National Heritage Department and the Perak state government for their tireless efforts in getting the due recognition for the Menara Condong.
He said the government was also in the process of getting international recognition for the Menara Condong as one of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)'s world heritage site.
History has it that the Menara Condong was built in 1885 by a contractor named Leong Choon Chong.
It originally housed the water tank that supply water to the town area and reserve during drought and fire.
It was also used to report time and served as a beacon to guide shot into Teluk Anson Port.
It started to tilt following two massive floods in 1889 and 1895 due to its soft structure and the weight of the water tank.
The tower drew comparison with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.
It stands at only 25m with 110 steps compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa's 55m.