MELAKA: The government has agreed to hold the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM 2026) launching ceremony in Melaka, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said Melaka's well-established tourism facilities and ability to showcase the nation's cultural diversity were some of the reasons it was picked.
"The matter was also raised three times by the Melaka Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh) and supported by Deputy Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Utama Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi).
"Therefore, I agreed for the launch to be held in Melaka," he said at the National-Level Aidilfitri Madani 2025 Celebration Ceremony at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh here on Saturday (April 5).
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahidi, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and other Federal and state government officials were also present.
Anwar stated that the Federal Government's decision to launch the major tourism event in Melaka was made with minimal additional costs in mind.
Meanwhile, Anwar congratulated Melaka for becoming the choice of investors, especially from China and Germany, with the best infrastructure in the state.
"I mention this because when we go to Germany or China or other countries, Melaka is popular because of its infrastructure, the efficiency of its officers, as well as the policy of 'clarity' of its leadership to speed up (all) processes.
"That is why the role of the state government to speed up this process is very welcome… it can facilitate and attract investment and speed up the development process," he said.
