A long line of visitors waiting to get into Maritime Museum (Flor De La Mar) in Bandar Hilir, Melaka on Feb 20, 2024.
MELAKA: There is a large wave of visitors and high traffic volume here on Tuesday (Feb 20) as the historic city commemorates the declaration of independence of the Federation of Malaya on Tuesday.
Many landmarks in the city are waiving their entrance fees for the day to commemorate the occasion, and the Melaka Zoo registered an overwhelming 14,000 visitors as of noon on Tuesday.
The Melaka River Cruise readied 15 boats for free rides for 5,000 people as they made beeline to Taman Rempah to enjoy the complimentary cruise along the scenic Sungai Melaka.
Melaka tourism, heritage, art and culture committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman said Melaka Museum recorded 4,000 visitors as at 11am.
He said more people are expected to visit the 10 tourist attractions in the state offering free entrance.
The revolving Menara Taming Sari Tower in Banda Hilir also recorded 1,200 visitors at 11am, with queues sighted at various tourist attractions since being almost two kilometres long.
A large crowd was also sighted at Melaka Wonderland Park at Ayer Keroh.
Complimentary entrance was also offered at five golf clubs, Melaka State Marine Park and Melaka Prison Museum.
Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Zainol Samah said his men have been placed at strategic locations to manage the traffic, especially around Ayer Keroh.
He also advised people to use public transportation as many roads are congested, coupled with already-full parking bays.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh earlier announced that entrance fees to tourist attractions, services as well as green fees for five golf clubs would be waived on Feb 20 in conjunction with the declaration of independence of the Federation of Malaya.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will symbolically launch the celebration at Bandar Hilir at 7.45pm on Tuesday.
