GEORGE TOWN (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Spidey sense must be tingling because fans of the web-slinging superhero in Malaysia turned up for the release of the latest sequel in the iconic blue and red costume.

Movie goers were surprised by the group of 342, including a 73-year-old woman, when they arrived for a preview screening of The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Rise of Electro on Wednesday in an attempt to create a record.

The group had aimed to get the feat recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records and Guinness World Records for the largest gathering of people dressed as Spider-Man.

Among them were Clarence Ong, 41, his wife Wendy Ng and children Josiah and Kayleigh Ong, aged six and three.

"The kids like superheroes so we signed up for this. It's great to be part of a record-setting event," said Ms Ng.

Another family at the event were internal audit manager Neoh Ai Leen, 38, her children Teo Hui Ern, nine, and Hui Yon, six, and her 73-year-old mother, Fu Foon Ying.

Ms Neoh said she wanted to expose her mother, who declined to be interviewed, to "something different".

"This is a one-of-a-kind event in Malaysia. I've never seen so many people dressed up in costumes to watch a movie. It's rare that you get an opportunity to set a world record. We're all thrilled to be part of this historic occasion," she said.

The record-setting attempt was held in conjunction with the official opening of TGV's cinema at Level 8 of Gurney Paragon Mall.