Melaka: Melaka has introduced an initiative offering free entry to selected tourist attractions in conjunction with 11 specific celebrations involving civil servants and uniformed bodies serving in the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Melaka Tourism Promotion Division (BPP) general manager Nasrul Ahmad stated that the initiative is a mark of appreciation for the service and commitment of public service members, involving tourism products under state agencies. The state government has launched several new incentives under the Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) Tourism Scheme to honor civil servants and members of uniformed bodies who are integral to the state administration.

Nasrul explained that each civil servant is entitled to choose one tourism location for a free entrance ticket, while their spouses and children will receive a 50 percent discount. To access this benefit, civil servants need to present employment verification documents at the counter of their chosen tourism location. The free ticket can be used within a month from the date of each designated celebration.

The initiative is expected to support approximately 20,000 civil servants and their families, with an estimated financial implication of RM1.7 million. The 11 celebrations included are Customs Day (Jan 26), Malaysia Civil Defence Force Day (March 24), Police Day (March 25), Road Transport Department Day (April 1), and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Enforcement Day (April 17). Additional celebrations are Firefighters Day (May 4), Nurses Day (May 12), Teachers Day (May 16), Immigration Day (July 21), Malaysian Armed Forces Day (Sept 20), and Doctors Day (Oct 10).

Nasrul highlighted that the initiative is anticipated to improve the well-being of civil servants while boosting Melaka's domestic tourism sector, aligning with the state's industrial development plans for the year.