MALACCA, Jan 19 — Britain wants to be part of Malacca’s development, especially into a highly sustainable and tourism-driven state.

Its High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vicki Treadell said Britain had a lot of experience in green technology and in building sustainable cities, smart cities and efficient public transport system that could help Malacca to continue to be one of the cleanest and greenest states in Malaysia.

“One of the solutions is ‘park and ride’ where we stop vehicles from coming into the city from outside and ask the people to use public transport to come into the city,” she told reporters, here, today.

Treadell was met after making a courtesy call on Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron at his office in Seri Negeri here, today.

On Malacca’s tourism drive, she said Britain also had vast experience in retail and in developing the tourism experience which could help Malacca to further develop its tourism industry.

Treadell said there were a couple of British companies pursuing opportunities, especially in Malaysia’s tourism industry, and it would be great to see these companies work together with the Malacca government to develop the tourism experience here.

“Projects like Malacca Gateway is a great catalyst for tourism, where it can attract cruiseliners to come to the state to experience the warm Malaysian hospitality and learn about the history of this state,” she said.

On Malacca, she said the state was a true testimony of the rich history, racial harmony and unity that was a well-known model for Malaysia.

“The last time I came here, I was a young diplomat in my late twenties and when I’ve come back this time, I see that the city has come a long way, transformed into a modern city but at the very heart of it are the history, harmony and social unity that are still there,” said Treadell.

Meanwhile, Idris said Malacca was keen to collaborate with Britain in building a green city.

“I am also interested in solutions to the traffic problem proposed by them and the building of green lungs like Hyde Park in London,” he said. — Bernama