KUALA LUMPUR – A viral WhatsApp message suggesting that a tower under construction in the heart of the capital is tilting and about to collapse caused panic on Monday (Dec 23).

Many city folk, especially those living or working in the city’s golden triangle district, were prepared for the worst.

However, the building in question – which is only halfway complete – was designed to be a ‘curving’ edifice and only appears to be tilting, from certain angles.

The tower is one of three skyscrapers comprising the mixed-use 8 Jalan Conlay development, which features the five-star Kempinski luxury hotel, retail outlets, and the world’s tallest twin spiralled residential towers: YOO8 Tower A (68 storeys) and Tower B (57 storeys) serviced by Kempinski, according to the development’s official website.

Tower B – which will comprise luxury suites built by KSK Land and offer views of KLCC – features a unique curved design that appears dangerously tilted, especially in its current unfinished state.

Messages accompanying a photo of the building circulating on WhatsApp called the tower a “disaster waiting to happen”.

But a spokesman from MCC Overseas Sdn Bhd, the contractor appointed by KSK Land, assured the public that there is nothing to worry about.

"(Construction is not complete). That is why it looks like it’s going to collapse. The design is actually… for one of the towers to be… a bit curvy. Once the whole work is complete, you'd be able to see the actual intended design of the building," she said.

KSK Land also issued a statement on Monday to clarify that the unique design of the development by RSP Architects KL – led by Principal Hud Bakar – is truly unique.

"It was designed that way, to make it look tilted. It is also evident in the project's earlier architecture impressions and brochures," it said, adding that the project's safety aspects are of utmost importance, and that the building is regularly inspected to make sure that safety specifications are followed.

Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said that there has been no report made of the building collapsing. NEW STRAITS TIMES