MALACCA, June 24 — Malacca plans to develop new tourism products, especially those related to its history and culture, through the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said these products would include the Javanese Cultural Complex, Nusantara Islamic Civilisation Gallery, Alor Gajah Heritage Trail and Klebang Tourism Centre.

He said a working paper on this had been submitted to the federal government for consideration.

“As Malacca is not a big state, measuring only 1,651 square kilometres, and due to the lack of natural resources, we need to increase the state’s productivity with tourism products,” he said in reply to Datuk Amiruddin Yusof (BN-Ayer Limau) on the state government’s efforts to increase tourist arrivals to the state at the State Assembly sitting here today.

He added that the state government also welcomed ideas and views from the corporate sector, as well as the people, on how to develop the tourism industry whether in the rural or urban areas.

Meanwhile, to a supplementary question from Amiruddin regarding the number of accommodation facilities in Malacca, Idris said the state needs about 4,000 more rooms to cater to local and foreign tourists.

At present, there are 8,000 rooms made available in the state, he said.

However, some of the operators were found to have neglected the quality of their services and premises, leaving patrons uncomfortable.

“I’ve done spot checks and found there are operators whose services are below standard... with smelly and uncomfortable rooms, and this can affect the tourists,” he added. — Bernama