Colourful display: Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza putting on a spirited performance at the launch of TMM2024 on New Year’s eve at Dataran Pengkalan Rama. — Bernama
MELAKA: The state government has received an additional RM2mil from the Tourism, Arts and Culure Ministry (Motac) to promote Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM2024).
Its minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said it was in support of the hard work of Melaka to bring in tourists to spur the state’s economy.
“Congratulations to Melaka, especially the exco members who worked tirelessly with Motac to promote Melaka and Malaysia to China.
“Their aggressive promotion abroad to attract tourists to Melaka will contribute to the state’s economy,” he told reporters after the launching ceremony of Visit Melaka Year 2024 and the 2024 New Year’s eve celebration at Pangkalan Rama here on Sunday night, Bernama reported.
Splendid show: Mohd Ali Rustam (centre) and his wife Toh Puan Asmah Abdul Rahman enjoying the performances at the TMM2024 launch in Pengkalan Rama. With them is Ab Rauf (left). — Bernama
Commenting further, he said the ministry is ready to assist all states including the four states which are implementing 2024 Visit Year namely Melaka, Perak, Perlis and Kelantan to achieve their tourist targets as planned.
“Apart from Melaka, only Perak expressed its interest to apply for additional funds for the purpose of promoting the state’s tourism,” he said.
Meanwhile, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the additional funds were good news and would boost the Visit Melaka Year 2024 promotion and programmes.
“This also shows that Motac always supports the state government in promoting tourism in the state which has a Unesco recognised heritage city which needs to be preserved to be passed down to future generations.
“I really appreciate it and thank Motac which has worked really hard with the state government to promote Visit Melaka Year 2024 and preserve the world heritage site recognised by Unesco,” he said.
Earlier, nearly 40,000 visitors cheered the launch of Visit Melaka Year 2024 at Pengkalan Rama here.
The celebration started with a procession which saw Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, Ab Rauf and Tiong being ferried in a decorated boat to the main stage.
Among those who attended included state department and agency heads.
The celebration was also broadcast live to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, which has a population of 58 million.
As for the New Year’s eve celebrations, there was a dazzling fireworks display which lit the night sky.
“I could see the colourful display when I was on the way back from my hotel at midnight,” said Shah Beach Resort’s general manager Dennis Samford.
“There was also traffic congestion as revellers packed the streets to welcome the New Year,” he added.
