Melaka: More than 37,000 visitors took advantage of the free entry to 13 tourist locations in Melaka in conjunction with the Declaration of Independence of Malaya public holiday, as of 2 pm today. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh stated that in the initiative’s second year, operations were more systematic and smooth across all locations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Chief Minister noted that improvements made at each location allowed for a more orderly entry of visitors, even amidst the high turnout. A survey he conducted at several sites showed that most visitors this year were local Melaka residents, given that the public holiday is exclusive to the state.

Accompanying the Chief Minister at Taman Rempah Jetty were state Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Exco Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman and Melaka River and Coastal Development Corporation (PPSPM) chief executive officer Shaharul Azuar Idris. Ab Rauf expressed the state government’s ambition to attract up to 70,000 visitors to enjoy the free tourism offerings, which conclude at 5 pm. He described the free entry as a ‘gift’ from the state government and encouraged Melaka residents to fully utilize this opportunity for family enjoyment.

Visitor Mohd Zulazreen Mohd Nasir, an engineer from Cheng, seized the opportunity to visit the Malaysia Prison Museum in Banda Hilir and the Melaka River Cruise at Taman Rempah Jetty with his family. He remarked that this year’s operations were improved, with less crowded roads and shorter waiting times. Similarly, housewife Nor Afikah Mohd Zin from Banda Hilir expressed gratitude to the state government for allowing her and her three children to enjoy the Melaka River Cruise and Menara Taming Sari for free.