Ab Rauf (standing at rostrum), pictured here at the festivals' launch on Oct 25, says the initiatives are to establish Melaka as a model state and benchmark for excellence in Malaysia’s tourism landscape. – pic courtesy of Melaka CM via BERNAMA
MELAKA: The Melaka state government will introduce seven new initiatives under the Pay Less, See More concept next year in conjunction with Visit Melaka Year and Visit Malaysia 2026.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the first initiative, the Melaka Integrated Tourism Package, offers visitors the opportunity to experience five of the state’s key attractions, namely the Melaka River Cruise, Menara Taming Sari, Flor de la Mar Maritime Museum, Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, and a cultural performance at Panggung Bangsawan, all at a single, affordable price.
The second initiative is the introduction of the Melaka Smart Tourist Card (MSTC) that allows visitors to enjoy exclusive discounts at various locations and major attractions throughout the state.
"In addition, we will introduce the Hop On Hop Off Cruise package, which allows visitors to park their vehicles at designated areas and conveniently board or disembark at any jetty along the Melaka River Cruise route.
"However, visitors are required to purchase a one-day or three-day cruise pass, offered at an affordable rate and valid from morning until night.
"They are also encouraged to stay at hotels or homestays located along Sungai Melaka,” he told reporters after officiating the Melaka Straits Art Festival 2025 and Melaka River Festival 2025 here on Saturday (Oct 25) night.
Ab Rauf said a Cruise and Cultural Pass, which includes tickets for the Melaka River Cruise and visits to Kampung Morten or Panggung Bangsawan to enjoy traditional cultural performances, will also be introduced.
He added that under the Taste of Melaka Trail @ Sungai Melaka initiative, vouchers worth between RM20 and RM30 will be offered, giving visitors the chance to savour Melaka’s iconic dishes such as asam pedas, cendol, kuih keria and other local heritage delicacies.
"For tourists staying in Melaka for three days and two nights, we will introduce a special hotel and accommodation initiative that offers complimentary tickets to selected attractions, including the Melaka River Cruise, Sungai Linggi Eco Cruise, Tasik Chin Chin Eco Cruise, or Menara Taming Sari.
"In addition, special discounts for school and university students to visit historical sites will be introduced under the heritage and education initiative called the Cultural Pass for Students,” he said.
Ab Rauf added that all the initiatives are part of the state government’s efforts to establish Melaka as a model state and a benchmark for excellence in Malaysia’s tourism landscape, not merely a minor player in the country’s cultural and tourism agenda.
Meanwhile, he said Melaka recorded 13.5 million tourist arrivals between Jan 1 and Sept 30 this year, a 25% increase over the same period last year, significantly boosting the state’s economy, social development, and overall image. – Bernama
