An experienced Capt (R) Mohd Noorizan Yunus making a graceful descent after jumping off from the top of the tower.

The daredevil act was part of the Komtar International BASE Jump 2009, in which 28 parachutists from around the world joined 12 Malaysian jumpers in taking off from a height of about 230 metres.

Pedestrians and shopkeepers spilled out on to the pavements in the city to watch as some of the jumpers let themselves free fall for a good distance before pulling on their harnesses.

Some of the foreign parachutists were seen circling in the air above a panoramic spread of old rooftops in George Town’s heritage city, with a view of the blue sea beyond and the green hills on the island’s western side.

The event featured some of the world’s veteran BASE jumpers, including Gary Cunningham from Australia, who has clocked about 1,700 BASE jumps and more than 2,000 skydives, and New Zealand’s Dan Vicary who has recorded 200 BASE jumps and 4,000 skydives.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who officiated the opening of the event, said the programme was part of the state’s initiative to renew the attraction of Komtar which was built in 1986.

He said the state was also working on promoting extreme sports in Penang to lure tourism.

"The popularity of a sport like BASE jumping would help to boost the image of Penang and further market it as a tourism destination," he said.

"At the same time, it would also renew the shine of Komtar tower which is the highest building in the northern region."

The event was organised by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Menara Kuala Lumpur.

Also present were Penang Tourism Committee chairman Law Heng Kiang, PDC general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar and Menara KL CEO Datuk Zulkifli Mohamad.