MELAKA: Tourism industry players in Melaka experienced an unexpected boost of RM6 million in revenue in just one day as a result of the Melaka state government’s decision to provide free access to popular tourist attractions in honor of the Declaration of Independence of the Federation of Malaya, according to Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The Chief Minister of Melaka revealed that on Feb 20, which was declared a public holiday for the state, a total of 160,000 tourists visited the city, with the hotel industry being the primary beneficiary of this initiative by the state government to commemorate the historic day.
Ab Rauf mentioned that the state government covered the cost of RM2.6 million to allow complimentary entry to 11 tourist sites, services, and green fees for five golf clubs that were waived on that day.
“This was a successful initiative, particularly for the hotel industry in the state, and I apologize to those who were unable to access these popular destinations due to overcrowding,” he stated after attending an event at Dataran Pengkalan Rama.
He revealed that Melaka Zoo welcomed 30,510 visitors, while 8,346 individuals enjoyed boat cruises along Sungai Melaka, and 7,752 people visited Melaka Wonderland Theme Park in Ayer Keroh on that day.
To his surprise, he noted that the Prison Department’s museum at Bandar Hilir also received an unexpected 11,371 visitors on the same day.
Ab Rauf expressed uncertainty regarding whether the complimentary access provided on Feb 20 would be extended to future years, stating, “We need to evaluate the overall impact of free entry from various angles, particularly when it involves attractions scattered across different locations.”
On a separate note, Ab Rauf announced that the floating market at Pengkalan Rama riverbank is scheduled to be inaugurated in April, featuring 30 boats and 100 kiosks.
The floating market will be overseen by the Melaka River and Beach Development Corporation, with roofed boats lining a 30-meter stretch along Sungai Melaka in the second phase of development.
