MELAKA: The world's largest traditional Chinese wooden sailing ship, "Fu Ning" will make a second trip to Melaka during the height of the 50th anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said he is inviting the shipowner Lim Cheng Jiu to be part of the celebration to be hosted by the historical city.
"This vessel holds value for the state and for the bilateral ties between China and Melaka as Fu Ning aims to follow Admiral Cheng Ho's epic voyages along the Maritime Silk Road.
"The state is committed to preserving the legacy of the 15th-century mariner and explorer," he said after visiting the ship at the Tanjung Bruas Port here on Monday (May 6).
Among those present were Melaka tourism, heritage, art and culture committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman and special advisor on investment and China affairs to the Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Lim Ban Hong.
Ab Rauf said the ship embarked on its journey from Huangpu in Guangzhou, China, on Jan 31 before arriving here on May 1.
The Chief Minister also ordered his staff to host a dinner before the ship departs the port on May 11.
While aboard the ship, Ab Rauf made a personal call to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, inviting him to attend the dinner on the night of May 10.
"Datuk Seri must be present by hook or by crook," Ab Rauf was heard telling Tiong during the conversation.
The ship, measuring 41.6m in length, 12m in width and with a main mast height of 29m, can accommodate up to 42 people at one time.
Previously, Fu Ning docked at One15 Marina in Sentosa Cove, Singapore, before arriving in Melaka.
The ship is built with traditional craftsmanship using teak and rosewood, and boasts a 300kWh onboard power bank, providing the vessel's electrical needs for a day on a single charge.
This ancient technique of wooden boat building originated from Fuzhou in Fujian province, China and has been inscribed on Unesco's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding since 2010.
Earlier, Ab Rauf said the state is well-known among Chinese tourists and is the most suitable venue to host the golden jubilee.
He said this is due to the state's long history of relations with China, which began over 600 years ago.
