Melaka celebrates National Day for the first time in Merlimau

MELAKA: For the first time, Melaka's National Day celebrations are being held in Merlimau, a developing township about 23km from the city centre.

The venue was selected by the event's steering committee in an effort to turn Merlimau in the Jasin district into a new growth corridor of the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who chairs the committee, said Merlimau will host the National Day Eve countdown event too.

"Merlimau will be a whole new venue for local leaders and people from all over the state to gather and honour our National Day," he said in an interview.

Ab Rauf said he hoped to make this year’s celebration a more meaningful one with people gathering in a spirit of unity.

"The venue will be convenient for villagers as they will not have to travel all the way to the city centre," he said.

Ab Rauf said all programmes for the celebration were designed to further nurture unity and solidarity among the various races in the country.

"Our forefathers sacrificed to ensure our security and well-being in a multiracial nation. My administration will do all we can to foster good relations," he said.

The Chief Minister said the National Day celebration in the city centre will go on as usual at Persiaran Merdeka with parades and processions.

"Persiaran Merdeka is also a new venue for this year's celebration and we have planned various programmes for city folk.

"The Merlimau event is to create a difference this year and to liven up the Merdeka spirit among the villagers," he added.

Ab Rauf urged the people not to forget the sacrifices of the security forces in helping keep the country safe and harmonious.

Merlimau folk gave the thumbs-up to the state government for selecting Merlimau for the celebrations, saying it would provide a big boost to the town.

Businessman Tan Khee Kwan, 38 said it was timely that Merlimau was selected for this year's celebration as the town is witnessing growth with new industrial parks and housing development.

"We also have a significant number of students from other states," he added.

B. Vijayendran, 37, said he was grateful for the choice as Merlimau was his hometown.

"My elder brother told me that people were preparing for the celebration and I have decided to take leave and drive down to Merlimau to participate," he said.

Vijayendran said he had been working in Singapore for the past eight years and was only able to return to his hometown when on long leave.

Hotelier Dennis Samford said he would charter a bus to send his staff members to the celebration in Merlimau.

"This is something new as usually the celebration is held at Bandar Hilir. My manager suggested that we go to Merlimau to experience the celebration and I agreed," he said.

Meanwhile, the Melaka River and Beach Development Corp is offering student groups and NGOs free rides on its river cruise boats to celebrate National Day.

It said the boat rides will be available starting 7am on Saturday (Aug 31) and the offer is for the first 500 visitors who register.