Ayer keroh: The Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) plans to rebrand and revitalise the Forestay area within the Melaka Botanical Garden in Ayer Keroh as a nature-based accommodation destination.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Council president Datuk Sapiah Haron said the proposal follows a recent visit by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to the botanical park, where numerous fallen trees and several facilities needing upgrades were observed. The Forestry Department has been tasked with clearing the fallen trees, retaining those suitable for preservation while removing uprooted ones to ensure safety and maintain aesthetics.

Sapiah highlighted redevelopment potential for Forestay, where many facilities are now in disrepair. She mentioned that the development is expected to be carried out soon to breathe new life into the area as a nature-based recreation and tourism destination. The 4.86-hectare (12-acre) site currently features about 30 chalets, and new concepts, including glamping, have been proposed to offer visitors a unique experience within an urban forest setting.

She assured that the redevelopment will not encroach on the existing forest area, as the upgrade is confined to previously developed land, preserving the park's core recreational function. Sapiah emphasized the location's appeal, noting that the main gateway in Ayer Keroh leads visitors directly to the area to experience an overnight stay in the Botanical Gardens.