Melaka To Have Arab Village To Woo Tourists

January 22, 2009 20:05 PM

MELAKA, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- An Arab village will be set up in Melaka to attract more tourists, especially from Middle East countries, to visit the state, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said today.

He said an investor from Saudi Arabia was willing to invest RM300 million for the project.

The village will have an Arabic Bazaar, comprising 300 shops, and also replicas of the various popular tourist destinations in the Middle East countries, he told reporters after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting.

Mohd Ali said that five traditional villages in Melaka -- Kampung Bukit China, Kampung Bandar Kaba, Kampung Limbungan, Kampung Terengkera and Kampung Ujung Pasir -- would be declared "heritage villages", in addition to three -- Kampung Chitty, Kampung Morten and Kampung Portugis -- which had been given the status by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.

He also said a study would be carried out by the state government on the feasibility of having a tram service in the Melaka town.