Melaka: The Melaka state government will organise more programmes featuring arts, culture and heritage as the main attractions for tourists to Melaka, especially in conjunction with the Visit Melaka Year 2.0 (TMM 2.0) this year. State Tourism, Heritage, Arts, and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman revealed the initiative aims to introduce Melaka's unique cultural and historical significance to international tourists and the younger generation in the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the effort is not only to showcase the state's diverse heritage but also to preserve and revive the elements of art, culture, and heritage in Melaka. As a UNESCO heritage state, Melaka is renowned for its historical buildings and offers a variety of attractions related to art, culture, and heritage. Abdul Razak stated that the programmes would engage both international and domestic tourists in activities like traditional sports, cultural performances, and traditional food-making experiences.

The announcement came during the Sepetang Warisan Santai @ Banda Hilir programme, attended by the Mayor of the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) Datuk Shadan Othman and Tourism Melaka's general manager Nasrul Ahmad. Abdul Razak mentioned that nearly 100 programmes, including mega events, are scheduled by the end of this year for TMM 2.0, contributing to a total of 220 planned events on the state's tourism calendar.

He further explained that each month, tourism programmes are planned as part of TMM 2.0, with activities designed to attract both domestic and international visitors. The Sepetang Warisan Santai @ Banda Hilir programme, taking place today, is part of these efforts. Additionally, the state government provided a contribution of RM1,000 to four trishaw associations in Melaka to acknowledge the role of trishaw riders as icons of the state's tourism.