By Jason Gerald John
A HISTORICAL tourism-oriented city like Malacca needs to draw up new approaches to continuously attract tourists, said Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.
He suggested the establishment of a residential complex based on ancient Malay warrior Hang Tuah.
He said the state government gave recognition to famous local personalities such as Hang Tuah only by naming streets, buildings or a mausoleum after them.
"Why not build a Hang Tuah residential complex to house their homes, hall, silat ground and homes of his friends and colleagues?
"We could use computer technology for this and the whole complex should not only depict Hang Tuah as a warrior but as a statesman, ambassador and a pioneer in traditional Malay martial arts.
"Hang Tuah could be turned into a icon for Malacca and placed on a par with international legends."
He also urged the state to promote traditional food such as buah Melaka (or onde-onde, which is made of glutinous rice flour and filled with palm sugar).
"Buah Melaka can be an international food and have a similar impact as what spaghetti and pizza are to Italy. Now people come here and all they know is ikan bakar."
On a similar note, he also called on the state to promote Pulau Besar as a major tourism destination in the region as the island was becoming increasingly popular among tourists.
"However, I would like to stress the importance of maintaining our greenery, cleanliness, proper pricing of goods and services, conservation of old buildings and places of worship, public transportation and providing quality tour guides."
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