Culture shared: Chinese tourists dressed in nyonya kebaya attire posing for a photo. An initiative by the Melaka government will offer free entry at popular attractions for visitors who wear the traditional outfits.
MELAKA: Tourists visiting the historic city in traditional nyonya kebaya attire will soon enjoy complimentary entry at several popular attractions including Melaka Zoo, says the Chief Minister.
Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Jusoh said the initiative was among the state’s efforts to appreciate and preserve the Peranakan heritage which has been a hallmark of Melaka’s cultural landscape.
“Melaka is unique and the decision to offer complimentary entries is done to honour the long history and rich heritage of the Peranakan Chinese and Chetti communities in our state.
“The complimentary package set to be introduced next year will also include the Melaka River Cruise service,” he said after attending a Deepavali gathering at a hotel in Ujong Pasir on Wednesday night.
Among those present were Melaka tourism, heritage, arts and culture committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman and Save the Portuguese Community Action Committee chairman Martin Theseira.
Ab Rauf said the move aligned with the state’s broader tourism strategy to highlight Melaka’s multicultural identity and to encourage visitors to experience local traditions.
“Our heritage is not just something to preserve but something to live and share with the world. By celebrating our culture through tourism, we ensure that every community continues to thrive,” he said.
The chief minister said the state government will continue to focus on sustainable and inclusive tourism.
“We will continue to collaborate with the private sector and community groups to strengthen tourism and create more opportunities for Melaka folk,” he added.
