Melaka New Chinatown

Melaka New Chinatown
Kee Ann Road

Friday, December 16, 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 AND GONG XI FA CAI



In two weeks' time, we will be celebrating Merry Christmas and the end of 2011. We will usher in the New Year 2011 as well. At the same time, by the 3rd. Week of January 2012, billions of Chinese around the world will celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Golden Dragon. All these festivities will be celebrated within 1 month.

As we celebrate X'mas, New Year and Chinese New Year, may we take this opportunity to wish everyone well. May Peace prevail around the World so that everyone can enjoy happiness, wealth and health. Let us usher in these celebrations by sharing with the unfortunate and provide them with warmth and joy as we are One of the Kind in this Earth of ours.

Happy Holidays and Happy Celebrations to Everyone.

www.tourism-melaka.com

Monday, December 12, 2011

NEW HOTEL TO OPEN IN 2012

12th. December 2011

A newly renovated budget hotel will open at Jalan Kee Ann in 2012.

There will be about 80 rooms with cafe, reception and other facilities. When completed, Jalan Kee Ann will have more tourist traffic and enliven up the street especially at night.

Current hotels around the area include Mimosa Hotel and Goldleaf Hotel.

WANGKANG FESTIVAL FROM 1.2.2012 TO 6.2.2012

10th.December 2011

After an absence of 10 years, the Wangkang Festival will be held again in the historic city of Melaka from 1st.to 6th. February 2012.

This Wangkang Festival was held in 1933, 2001 and now in 2012.

The Wangkang Festival is of Hokkien origin, and it is held in China, only in Chiang Chew Hoo and Chuan Chew Hoo ( 2 very large districts of the Hokkien province ) and in Malacca.

In the early days, it was also held in Manila, but I don’t know whether it is still being held there or not. I have heard of it also being held in Sarawak.

During the persecution of the Chinese by the Manchus in the Ching Dynasty about 3 centuries ago, a great many Hokkien people emigrated from China and some of them sailed towards Malaya, and the first country they reached was Malacca, where they settled down and worshipped the Ong Yahs as they had been used to in their own country.

As customary, their descendants – the Straits-Born Chinese – followed their footsteps in worshipping five Ong Yahs and this is why Malacca is the only place in Malaya, where the Wangkang procession is held.

This festival was last held in Melaka in 2001 and 1933. Now, a procession ofthe Wangkang through the streets of Melaka City which covers over 20km, will be held on 6th. February 2012 before the Wangkang will be burnt in the Straits of Melaka off Pulau Melaka.

This is a festival for all and all are invited to witness this once a lifetime event. Tourists will be able to witness this unforgettable event and to take part in festival which will be held from 1st. Februaryto6th. February 2012.

For more details and read aboutthis festival, please log into: www.yongchuantian.com.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

MELAKA AIR MAIDEN FLIGHT ON 11.11AM ON 11.11.11

A milestone for humble airfield
2011/11/10

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After celebrating 500 years of Portuguese culture recently, Malacca is looking to create excitement on a new front tomorrow, at 11.11am, to be precise. JASON GERALD JOHN reports

11.11AM on 11-11 is the scheduled time and date of departure for Melaka Air’s maiden flight to Medan. The flight will depart for Medan via Penang from Melaka International Airport (MIA) where a RM131 million runway extension was completed last year.


Aligning numbers is just one component of a sound business strategy.


Around 70,000 foreigners seek medical treatment in Malacca annually, and the state economic planners are all for flying them into the state directly without having to go through Kuala Lumpur International Airport or the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang, Selangor.

And the number is just 0.1 per cent of the seven million middle-class population in Sumatra, Indonesia.


“With the new Melaka International Airport, we hope more patients from Sumatra will come here,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.


The airport was formerly known as Batu Berendam Airport.

Emphasising the Sumatra angle, four of the seven Melaka Air des - tinations are on the Indonesian island — Medan, Pekan Baru, Padang and Palembang.


The others are Penang and Kota Baru in Malaysia, and Hat Yai in Thailand.


Melaka Air is a joint-venture between Kuala Lumpur-based NN Flyers and the state-owned Melaka Foundation, with a paid-up capital of RM20 million.

The sole airline using the airport until now was Wings Air, which had been operating three weekly flights from Pekan Baru to Malacca since last year.


The airport handled 21,687 passengers last year. According to Wings Air representative Ridho Kosasih, around 80 per cent of the passengers travelling on his airline that year were Indonesians seeking medical treatment in the historical city.


Melaka Air will be using AT R - 7 2 turboprops, which are loaned from FireFly at a cost of US$190,000 (RM570,000).


Malacca, which is listed as a United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage City, saw the arrival of 10.4 million tourists last year. This figure is expected to jump to 11 million by year-end.


Tunku’s historic arrival THE airport in Malacca is wellknown for receiving histor ic flights.


Fifty-five years ago, on Feb 20, 1956, the Merdeka Mission led by Tunku Abdul Rahman landed at Batu Berendam Airport (now renamed Melaka International Airport).

They had just arrived from London via Singapore, and a teeming crowd had gathered at Banda Hilir to listen to Tunku’s historic announcement.


Tunku, travelling from the airport in a Morris Minor, later announced that the Merdeka Agreement had been signed on Feb 8, 1956, and that the country would achieve independence on Aug 31, 1957, to shouts of Merdeka from the crowd.

Read more: A milestone for humble airfield http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Amilestoneforhumbleairfield/Article#ixzz1dGqCZl00

CRUISING DOWN VENICE OF THE EAST

Go: Cruising down Venice of the East
2011/11/09
PHILIP LIM
traveltimes@nstp.com.my
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The history of Malacca is about 700 years, perhaps older. PHILIP LIM goes on a river cruise and enjoys vistas of the ancient and modern

IF you are new to Malacca, one of the most pleasant ways of getting acquainted with the Unesco World Heritage Site (since 2008) is to take a river cruise.

I have been an absentee local visitor for the past 11 years. So a revisit to the city was long overdue. A friend told me that one of the nicest attractions in Malacca at present is to board a boat from the Quayside Heritage Centre and take a 45-minute cruise of Malacca River.


Much has happened in the years between the time when the river was an eyesore and it’s in fairly pristine condition now.

It has been about six years since the Malacca River was given a makeover and its murky waters had been treated and rendered visually presentable. The river boat jetty took about two years to complete.

A la Venice

The time spent on the boat is equivalent to a cruise along any of the big rivers in Europe. It is not a coincidence that Malacca in its golden era was nicknamed the Venice of the East.

The only difference is the temperature. The Malaysian weather on the day of our river boat trip is almost perfect.

The sky is a clear blue with only traces of clouds drifting above. There’s a gentle wind which caresses our cheeks as the boat skims the surface of the calm waters.

At last count, there are 26 river boats cruising the Malacca River ferrying passengers across a distance of about nine kilometres. These fibreglass boats are capable of sailing beneath the numerous bridges even at high tides.

At its lowest, the tide is still 0.8 metres which is manageable by the river boats.

A visual count during the river cruise reveals the presence of eight bridges.

They are Tan Kim Seng, Chan Koon Cheng (Ghostbridge of Malacca), Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Kampung Jawa, Kampung Morten, Old Bus Station and Pasar.

The river route has been deliberately designed and engineered for visitors to catch glimpses of river bank flower gardens, a Malay kampung, a windmill, a fort and the Christ Church of Malacca.

Excited cruisers
With us on the boat tour is a family of 10 tourists. They are quite enthusiastic and animated vocally at the novelty of seeing so many unfamiliar scenes outside their country.

Their loud conversations in Cantonese only add to the merriment of the occasion. At one stage of the cruise, the boatman spots a 150cm long monitor lizard lazing on a mangrove branch near the water edge.

One woman loudly exclaims in Cantonese: “This is so big, not even a family of 10 can finish it on the dining table!”

Those of us who understand her can only smile nervously. There are two young Caucasian women on board the boat as well. It would have been interesting to watch their reaction if they had understood the comment.

As far as I am concerned, it is the monitor lizard’s lucky day. It could have been born in another country, lived on another river and might have suffered the unfortunate fate of being the main course on a distant family’s evening menu.

A therapy of sort
The last boat ride ends around 11.30pm. A night cruise along the river is an exhilarating experience altogether because passengers can soak in the sights and sounds of a nocturnal Malacca.

Many of the trees lining the river cruise route are decorated with lights and the old buildings and ancient structures exude an aura that tell of bygone days that once made the city one of the busiest trading ports for hundreds of years.

The human body is susceptible to the lull of lapping waves and the concrete attractions by the river side at every turn and corner give your entire being a sense of high.

The Malacca River cruise is scheduled at a 30-minute interval beginning from 9.30am. Adult fare is RM10 and for children below 12 years, it is RM5. If you are organising a group tour, the Malacca River Cruise office can make arrangements for RM100 per boat.

Call 06-281 7322.

Fast Facts
Before the 15th Century, Malacca was just an ordinary fishing village. It began to flourish under the reign of Iskandar Shah (Parameswara). Before long, Arab traders began to call on the port city.

In the mid-15th Century, Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho paid a courtesy call on Malacca. According to historical records, Malacca soon became a vassal State of Ming China.

In 1511, the Portuguese seized Malacca and brought it under their control. One hundred thirty years would pass before the Dutch mounted an attack on Malacca and ousted the Portuguese. The year 1641 marked the beginning of the Dutch rule.

For the next 150 years, the Dutch presence in Malacca was supreme. In 1795, Holland (Netherlands) was conquered by the French and consequently the Dutch lost control of Malacca.

The Dutch absence was soon replaced by the British who took over after the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824.

Malacca was first governed by the British East India Company. It was only later that it became a British Crown Colony. Together with Singapore and Penang, Malacca became part of the British Straits Settlements.

Read more: Go: Cruising down Venice of the East http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Go_CruisingdownVeniceoftheEast/Article#ixzz1dGni1IT6

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

MelakaKAD LAUNCHED

Melaka launches MelakaKAD for tourist spots
Posted on November 8, 2011, Tuesday

MELAKA:  Melaka has launched the MelakaKAD, an electronic card that will enable residents and tourists to make payments at tourist spots in Ayer Keroh and Bandar Hilir.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said tourists, who use the facility, would enjoy a first class service.

He said the MelakaKAD could be obtained from a minimum deposit of RM10 up to RM2,000 by producing MyKad or passport at the Taming Sari Tower Tourist Information Centre, the Taming River Cruise office and the Melaka Planetarium.

“Cardholders could redeem the cash balance or top it up,” he told reporters after launching the MelakaKAD here recently.

The card, which used smart chip technology, would be accepted for payments of about 130 bills using the MEPCASH account through PosOnline at www.posonline.com.my. — Bernama

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

HAPPY DEEPAVALI TO ALL HINDUS

As Deepavali, the Festival of Light nears and to be celebrated by all Hindus on 26th. October 2011, Tourism Melaka likes to express our Happy Deepavali greetings to all our Hindu friends from all over the world.

May the Light shine through any Darkness and lead us to a brighter future.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI

Tourism Melaka

MELAKA LITTLE INDIA RENOVATIONS

Wednesday October 12, 2011

Facelift works in Malacca’s Little India to be completed before Deepavali
By R.S.N. MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my


MALACCA: The Festival of Lights is set to shine brighter on the business community in Malacca’s Little India following the resolution of a controversy over its facelift works.

State Suburban Development and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk R. Perumal said work on the site would resume and be completed before Deepavali, which falls on Oct 26.


“We have settled all the hitches surrounding the contractor’s ap pointment. Work has commenced and will be completed as scheduled,” he said in an interview here yesterday.

Dissatisfaction over the appointment had brought the RM2mil project, which was supposed to emulate Jonker Walk’s success, to a standstill for over a week.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam had directed Perumal to sort out the dispute over the appointment, which was made in September.

Perumal said although the disgruntled group accused the state of cronyism when it awarded the job to a reputable contractor here, the tender had gone through normal procedure.

“The selection board granted the job to only the qualified bidder without any favouritism,” he said, adding that the state government wanted to ensure that the project was implemented smoothly.

“We managed to explain the rationale for the appointment of that particular contractor to the unsuccessful bidders. Finally, it was accepted,” said Perumal, who is also state MIC chairman.

He said the state was stringent in awarding the job and some of those who bid for the contract did not even meet the requirements set by the tender board.

Perumal said the job involved designing and building as well as installing ornaments for the stretch from Padang Nyiru, and along Jalan Laksamana and Jalan Bunga Raya that was within Little India.

He added that the contract for the project was managed by the State Development Board on behalf of the Tourism Ministry.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

MELAKA BIRD PARK TO BE READY IN 20 MONTHS

Melaka to have one of the largest bird parks in Southeast Asia

2011-10-05 10:27

MELAKA, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- A bird park which will be among the largest in Southeast Asia with 6,000 birds from 300 species will be built on a 1.8 hectare site at the Botanical Garden in Ayer Keroh here.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said this latest tourism product in Melaka was part of the second phase of the landscape development and tourism facility project located within the 92.5 hectare Botanical Garden.

"Apart from the bird park, other projects include a watch tower, renovation of chalets and landscaping upgrade of the Botanical Garden. A fountain will also be built at the garden," he told reporters after performing the groundbreaking ceremony for RM30 million bird park here today.

He said the project was scheduled to be completed in 20 months and the bird park was expected to give the Jurung Bird Park of Singapore a stiff competition.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

DOWN MEMORY LANE IN MELAKA DURING MERDEKA

Wednesday August 31, 2011
Walking down memory lane
By MICHAEL CHEANG

Heritage enthusiasts Colin Goh and Josephine Chua are passionate about preserving the history of their beloved city.

HIDDEN away in the shadow of a massive shopping complex in Malacca is an almost forgotten part of Malaysia’s history. It is a small mosaic-covered pyramid with a large ‘M’ in the middle, and it marks the beginning of Malaysia as we know it.

Once the focal point of Malacca’s Padang Merdeka, the Merdeka Monument commemorates the day that Malaya declared its independence. That’s not all. Most people forget that it was in Malacca on Feb 20, 1956, Tunku Abdul Rahman announced the glorious news that the British Government had finally agreed to grant Malaya independence. So in a way, Malacca is inextricably linked to Merdeka.

“It is such a shame that an important monument to such an important event in our country’s history is so downplayed today,” laments Colin Goh, 65, a retired civil servant and one of my tour guides for the day.
Colin Goh and Josephine Chua at the Merdeka Monument.

Despite being the second smallest state in Malaysia, Malacca has always been at the centre of Malaysia’s history – ever since Parameswara founded the settlement in 1409. This once important and strategic port in the Straits of Malacca was where the Portuguese, Dutch and British once had their strongholds. Some old Portuguese maps even referred to the entire Malayan peninsula as Malacca. Therefore, it was fitting that Tunku chose Malacca, the place where it all began, to announce the birth of our nation.

Goh was 10 years old when Tunku came to town, and according to him, the atmosphere leading up to the days before his arrival in Malacca was electrifying.

“Everyone was fired up about independence at the time. Everyone in school and on the streets was shouting ‘Merdeka! Merdeka!’ even though they didn’t really know what it meant,” Goh recalls. “Back then, this was just a sleepy hollow. But when word got out that Tunku was coming here to make the announcement, people arrived on buses from everywhere just to hear what he had to say!”

Walking encyclopaedia

Today, Goh is a walking, talking, living history book, an encyclopaedia of Malaccan history. He and his long-time friend and fellow heritage enthusiast Josephine Chua are taking me on a whirlwind tour along the heritage trail of Malacca.

They will be showing another side of Malacca’s history, one that you would not read about in books.

Chua, 55, who is on the Malacca Historical Resource Society committee, is equally passionate about preserving the history and heritage of Malacca. Her roots go all the way back to the very early days of Malacca – her grandfather was one of the founders of the iconic 17th century Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, which is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia.
The historical A Famosa fortress, a landmark of Malacca.

The walk around Malacca’s heritage zone is as much a walk down memory lane for Goh and Chua as it is a walk down Malacca’s chequered past.

Starting out from the St. Francis Xavier Church, we enter the designated Heritage Zone via the row of distinctly red pre-war shop houses along Jalan Laksamana to the central town square (with its iconic red clock tower), then up Jalan Kota towards the Merdeka monument. From there, part of our route includes the one that Tunku Abdul Rahman took in 1956 after making the Merdeka announcement, when he went across the Tan Kim Seng Bridge to MCA founder Tun Tan Cheng Lok’s home on Heeren Street (now Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok) for tea.

Besides its obvious historical heritage (the ancestral homes of many influential Chinese and Peranakan families are still located here), Heeren Street also holds special significance for both Goh and Chua – they were born on the same street in adjoining buildings, at 54 and 56 Heeren Street respectively.
Ban Onn Silversmith on Jonker Street (now known as Jalan Hang Jebat), is one of the few remnants of a more idyllic, less commercial era.

As we walk along the street, Chua excitedly points out the various homes she’s lived in, and tells vivid stories about the denizens of the street.

“My aunt used to live across the street from us when I was little. During Merdeka Day, she would wave to me from across the road and I’d shout ‘Merdeka!’ from our window,” Chua recalls.

One of the most remarkable parts about being brought on a tour by Goh and Chua is that they can point out little details that you would normally have missed. For instance, at one end of the Tan Kim Seng Bridge, concealed behind a garish and completely out-of-place Dutch windmill (despite being colonised by the Dutch, Malacca never had windmills), is an engraved plaque commemorating the opening of the bridge by the British governor at the time. It also honours the contributions of prominent merchant Tan Kim Seng, who donated the funds for the construction of the bridge

Treasure trove of knowledge

You’ll also hear stories about things that happened in everyday life as well. Pointing out a prominent building on Heeren Street, Goh relates how it used to be the home of a good friend who was murdered in her own home. Passing by another building, he explains how it used to be called The Black House because it was occupied by a coal trader.

Stories like these are what make Goh and Chua so unique. They may not be historians or tour guides by profession, but they conduct private tours on a voluntary basis, usually for special occasions or selected guests, because they are driven by their passion for the city they grew up in, as well as the wealth of history and stories within its walls and along its streets.

Goh and Chua are treasure troves of knowledge on Malacca’s history, dispensing historical facts with stories from their childhood, as well as insights into how Malacca has changed.

“The first time I took somebody on a tour of Malacca was in 1965. I found myself getting more and more interested in Malacca’s history. So I started to pick up more books and articles and kept them for reference,” says Goh.

It’s not all warm and fuzzy memories though.

Goh and Chua are equally adept at pointing out the less savoury side of Malacca, which includes the over-commercialisation and over-development of the heritage area, inadequacies in the preservation of heritage buildings and even blatant disrespect of the city’s proud heritage and buildings.

As we walk along Jonker Street (now known as Jalan Hang Jebat) amid the cacophony of tour buses, trucks and motorcycles whizzing past, Goh points out, “This place used to be a thriving community. Everything you needed in everyday life was here – there were tailors, blacksmiths, laundry cleaners, electrical shops, silversmiths. But when it was turned into the Jonker Walk night market to attract more tourists, all the old residents packed up and left the area.”

“It’s become a commercial community now – everything being sold here now is catered for tourists,” Chua adds.

“Many of the things being sold here aren’t even Malaysian, let alone Malaccan!”

Yet, amidst all the tacky tourist traps and blatant commercialisation, some remnants of the old Jonker Street community remain.

For instance, Ban Onn Silversmith is one of the few traditional silversmiths left standing in Malacca. And directly opposite is The Royal Press, a 75-year-old printing press that is still going strong.

“They (The Royal Press) recently had to move from the store next door to the current one; and when they did, they arranged all the furniture and equipment in the exact same positions as they were in the previous store,” says Chua proudly.

Nevertheless, one gets the feeling that these are the dying embers of Malacca’s old history, and that they will soon be gone unless something drastic is done to preserve these heritage treasures.

In fact, oral historians and ordinary Malaccans like Goh and Chua should also be treasured, and commended for the work they have done.

For the pair, it is frustrating and sometimes painful to see the city they grew up in being exploited in the name of development and tourism.

According to Chua, acclaimed historian Tan Sri Mubin Sheppard once said that Malacca was the only place where you got a feeling of antiquity when you drive into town.

“This should have been the main motto in all our conservation projects for Malacca. How important is Malacca? Before anyone even dreamed of Malaysia or Malaya, there was Malacca,’’ she says.

From a certain angle at the Merdeka Monument, you can see the entire history of Malaysia - the iconic Porta de Santiago gate of the A Famosa fortress, the Malay sultanate palace, and the Bastion House. They represent the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Malay Sultanate eras of Malacca.

There can be no doubt Malacca is the cradle of Malaysia.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

TOURISM MELAKA WEB PORTAL REACHES 1 MILLION VISITORS

24th. August 2011

Today is a milestone for our Tourism Melaka web portal site as the number of visitors to date reached 1,000,367.

We reached this important figure on 24th. August 2011. We started our website in 2001 as a website to promote Melaka, our home state. Visitors to our site started off slowly but two years later, our website was selected by Tourism Malaysia as the website to feature Melaka. Visitors started to visit our site since then. When Tourism Malaysia revamped their website, visitors still visited our site for information and news.

The next boost was when Melaka was declared a World Heritage Site under UNESCO in July 2008. Since then, visitors tend to search our site for news, developments, events and deals in Melaka.

From 2001 to December 31st. 2006, we received 250,000 visitors over 5 years. But from 1.1.2007 until 24.8.2011, 750,367 visitors graced our site, thus overtaking the 1 Million figure.

We at Tourism Melaka web portal will like to express our appreciation to all our visitors, both local and overseas, for visiting our website. Your support has given us the inspiration to strive higher. We want to continuously update and inform you about happenings in Melaka as and when they occur.

For your part, we want you to email us suggestions, ideas, comments (good and bad) and feedback so that these suggestions and comments can be read by citizens of Melaka including the government agencies. Without constant feedback and suggestion, we cannot improve ourselves.

A Big Thank you to all for your support and do come to Melaka over and over again if you have the opportunity and time.

Melaka is for all the citizens of the world for generations to come.

Tourism Melaka Web Portal Team

Saturday, August 6, 2011

TOURISM MELAKA WEB PORTAL REACHING 1 MILLION VISITORS

Our mother web portal, Tourism Melaka is just whisker away from reaching 1 Million visitors. Until 6th August 2011, we have exceeded 790,000 visitors.

By third week of August, it will touch 1 million, a mile stone for our website. Slowly but surely, we are reaching this figure.

Monday, August 1, 2011

SELAMAT BERPUASA AND SELAMAT HARI RAYA ADILFITRI

With the holy month of Ramadan started yesterday, Tourism Melaka will like to wish our Muslim friends in Malaysia and around the world, Selamat Berpuasa.

When the Puasa month ends, you will be celebrating the Hari Raya Adilfitri. May we take this opportunity to wish you all Selamat Hari Raya.

Have a safe month and look forward to the Hari Raya celebrations.

Tourism Melaka web Team.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

BEST WESTERN MALACCA TO OPEN IN 2012

The former Plaza Inn located at end of Jalan Pasar Baru, Melaka will open in 2012 under the world renown brand of Best Western.
Best Western International operates and owns thousands of hotels around the world.

This is good for Melaka in general and Melaka Newchinatown in particular as the hotel is located near the core Melaka Heritage area. BWI sees the potential of Melaka as a heritage city. With the hotel located besides the Melaka River, visitors can enjoy the clean up Melaka River and take romantic walks along the river at night.

Details of the Best Western Malacca as follows:
No. 2, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, 73420 Malacca.
Toll free number: 1 800 88 1838 | Pre-opening office number: +603 2166 1336
Email: enquiry@bestwestern.com.my
Star rating: 3 Star
Opening 2012

http://bestwesternmalaysia.com/hotel-riverside-melaka.html

Monday, June 27, 2011

4 NEW 3 STOREYS SHOPS BUILT AT JALAN PASAR BARU

Four new 3 storeys shop houses have been built at the end of Jalan Pasar Baru.

Piling works started just after Chinese New Year in February 2011 and now in June, the block has been completed.

The developer must be waiting for the Certificate of Fitness before the buyers can use them or let it out to tenants.

Piling works can be seen besides this new block for the construction of 6 lots of 4 storeys shop offices facing Jalan Munshi Abdullah. They will face the former Cathay cinema and the main road towards Jalan Hang Tuah.

This is good for Jalan Kee Ann and Jalan Pasar Baru as investors are keen to invest in the hospitality business in this area. A new budget hotel with 83 budget rooms, is being renovated just opposite the former Lido Cinema.

Ample parking facilities are also available as the space where the old Central Market has been converted into an open car park which can park at least 200 cars. This car park is within walking distance to Jonker Walk and Kampung Pantai area by just crossing the Old Pasar Bridge.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

MELAKA HISTORICAL SITES SECURITY TO BE ENHANCED

Friday June 10, 2011

Malacca to boost security at historical sites, says CM
By R.S.N. MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my


MALACCA: The state government has initiated measures to protect its historical sites following the theft of wheels from ancient Portuguese cannons on top of St John's Hill at Bandar Hilir on Wednesday.

Describing the theft as a threat to the state's artefacts, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said he would immediately see to it that all historical sites in the state have CCTV facilities.

“We have to seriously consider beefing up security at these sites after the recent theft including placing guards, especially at sites in the World Heritage Zone,” he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for Malacca's Hard Rock Cafe yesterday.

Mohd Ali said he would direct the relevant authorities to secure outdoor artefacts with locks and chains to prevent thieves from carting away items like cannons.


Lighting up: Workers conducting immediate remedial work to light up St John’s Hill after Wednesday’s theft.
He said CCTVs should be installed inside museums and other enclosed historical sites to prevent such occurrence in the future.

“This (thefts) should not have happened in the first place but I believe it's the work of drug addicts,” he said.

He said the state would work with the police to nab those responsible for the theft.

“I hope scrap metal dealers will inform us or the police if they come across anyone attempting to dispose of these wheels,” he said.

Twenty solid cast iron wheels that supported five ancient Portuguese cannons on top of the hill went missing on Wednesday each cannon with four wheels weighs between 500kg and 600kg.

Malacca has several historical sites, including the A Famosa, Stadhuys, St Paul's Church, Bukit Cina, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Dol Said's Grave, Hang Li Poh and Hang Tuah wells.

This is the second theft involving state artefacts.

In March 2008, eight Malay keris and three Dutch-era pistols were stolen from the Malacca Ethnography Museum.

Monday, May 16, 2011

HAPPY WESAK DAY TO ALL BUDDHISTS TOMORROW

Tomorrow is Wesak Day for all Buddhists. Wesak is the birthday,Enlightment day and Death date of Gautama Buddha who preached Bu
Buddhism to the world more than 2,500 years ago.

May we extend our Wesak greetings to all Buddhists on this auspicious occasion. It is our time to remember the Teachings of Buddha and practice the Middle Path so that we can reach Enlightment in our own lives.

Let us remember that our lives in this physical world are transient. Our lives are not permanent but we should strive towards Enlightenment so that we can break the vicious cycle of Rebirth. Being Born is suffering and to end our suffering, we must work towards Nirvana where we can break our Rebirth.

Don't be afraid of Death, Beware of Birth.
Death is the beginning of rebirth.g
Living is on the way to death.
Cessation of suffering means no rebirth.
This is the Truth of no Rebirth (Nirvana)

HAPPY WESAK.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

FIREFLY-MELAKA AIR TO TAKE OFF ON 11.11.11

Saturday May 14, 2011

FireFly-Melaka Air will boost state as tourist destination
BY R.S.N.MURALI
murali@thestar.com.my


MALACCA: The Batu Berendam International airport here is poised to get a stimulus with a new airline interested in turning the facility into its air transportation hub.

Servicing seven air routes between Thailand, Indonesia and local sectors, the FireFly-Melaka Air is expected to make its maiden flight on Nov 11, 2011, symbolising the favourite numbers for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak - (11/11/11).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said NN Flyers, a aviation company based in Kuala Lumpur who holds an equity of 90% in the company will collaborate with state-owned agency, Yayasan Melaka, who owns a 10% share in the airlines.


Affordable air travel: Budget carriers like Firefly is making transit time faster for busy people.

“NNFlyers will lease the ATR-72 aircraft from MAS affiliate FireFly with the cost of USD190,000 where the collaboration will be known as Firefly-Melaka Air,” he said after chairing the weekly Exco meeting here on Wednesday.

Mohd Ali added that the airlines will serve Medan, Pekan Baru, Padang and Pelembang in Indonesia, Hatyai in Thailand while Penang and Kota Baru are the two local routes.

The frequency of flights are between three to four times in a week while the ticket prices are expected to be announced later.

Mohd Ali said he had calculated the maintenance of each aircraft at RM800,000 including the salaries of crew members of the new airline.

“We anticipate the revenue of the new airline to be lucrative considering that Malacca is a top tourist destination,” he said.

He also noted that two other airlines Wings Air and Riau Airlines that have landing rights at the airport here would not be affected by the debut of the new service.

The airt transporation providers currently serves Pekan Baru-Malacca-Pekan Baru with frequencies of three flights, a week.

On a separate matter, Mohd Ali announced that foreigners will be granted to procure properties here that cost more than RM200,000 but with the condition that they have to fork out a levy of 2%.

He said the new ruling will take effect immediately where the revenue collected from such levies would be used to aid the needy in the state.

Mohd Ali added that the collection will be channelled to state Public Aid Fund where the fund would be wisely utilised to aid the locals who are in need of financial assistances.

He said the state hoped to yield some type of revenue due from the property boom in the state, especially with the overwhelming demand from foreigners, especially Singaporeans who are keen to own properties here.

Monday, May 9, 2011

HISTORICAL SHIP WREAKS OFF MELAKA SHORES

Tuesday May 10, 2011

Shipwrecks off Tg. Tuan may contain historical treasure


MALACCA: The state government is attempting to salvage dozens of shipwrecks found off the coast near Tanjung Tuan here, which may yield artefacts worth billions of ringgit.

State Tourism, Culture and Heritage committee chairman Datuk Latiff Tamby Chik said the shipwrecks, some of which were 500 years old, were discovered during a survey conducted by the National Heritage Department and Royal Malaysian Navy.

“Some of these vessels could be from the time of the Malacca Sultanate and some from the period between 1600s and 1800s.

“It's an important find with rich historical value for Malacca,” said Latiff after visiting Hang Li Poh Well here yesterday.

The shipwrecks were located on the seabed some 100m from the surface, he added.

Latiff said authorities believed the shipwrecks could include Raja Hajiand Bulan Linggi, two vessels used by the Malay rulers between 1600 and 1650.

Most, he added, were probably merchant ships on their way to Malacca before they sank.

“The cost of salvaging one of these ships could cost up to RM3mil but the artefacts recovered can reach up to billions of ringgit,” he said, adding that the state government was trying to salvage the wrecks with the help of foreign deep-sea recovery companies.

He said the area had been identified as a potential National Heritage site. He said more wrecks were expected to be discovered by the state's Maritime Museum and other related agencies, including vessels which sunk during World War II.

“It is also learnt the Tanjung Tuan stretch is an ideal environment for conserving shipwrecks due to its temperature and oxygen levels, allowing these to remain virtually intact for hundreds of years,” he said.

On another matter, Latiff said the maintenance of 26 historical sites in the state had been assigned to Malacca Historical City Council and theMuseum Corporation of Malacca, which took over from the National Heritage Department on May 1.

“We hope there will be scheduled maintenance to ensure these sites are not neglected,” he said.


Sunday, May 1, 2011

CHINESE HISTORY GALLERY IN MELAKA

Sunday May 1, 2011

Chinese history gallery to be housed in Malacca’s heritage site

By MARTIN CARVALHO and YUEN MEIKENG
newsdesk@thestar.com.my


KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed museum in Malacca to exhibit the Chinese community's contributions to the nation will be sited at the heart of the historical city in Banda Hilir.

Malacca Museum Corporation (Perzim) general manager Khamis Abassaid Banda Hilir was chosen as the location as it was “a core historical zone”, which consisted of other museums and galleries.

“Banda Hilir is a strategic place. It is also bustling with tourists and is a heritage centre,” he said yesterday.

Historical state: Visitors sightseeing at the A’ Famosa fort in Banda Hilir recently. The site is rich with various iconic architectures.

The museum, he added, was expected to be ready in 2013.

Khamis said Perzim was directed by the Malacca Government to assist in the setting-up of the museum and discussions had been ongoing.

“So far, nothing has been confirmed but we will look into the history of the Chinese community and its role in Malaysian society,” he said.

He said Perzim would meet the state Economic Planning Unit and other parties on May 6 to discuss details of the project.

On Friday, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the party would set up a museum to exhibit the contributions of the community before and after the nation gained independence.

Dr Chua said the museum would highlight the achievements of past Chinese leaders in helping the country gain independence and also the contributions of influen- tial individuals from the Malay and Indian communities.

Tan Sri Tan Cheng Swee, one of MCA's early founding members, lauded the plan and hoped it would show what the Chinese had done for the country.

“I hope that the information presented in the museum will be accurate,” said Tan, 90.

He also said he hoped to see the work of prominent Chinese leaders such as MCA founder Tun Tan Cheng Lock presented in the museum.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said he was happy that the state would be home to the country's first Chinese museum.

“It is a good idea and we welcome the move.

“The millions who visit here will be able to learn about Chinese culture in Malaysia when visiting the museum,” he said, adding that the state would help promote the museum as part of its cultural tourism sector.

Badan Warisan committee member Josephine Chua said it was an honour for the state to have a museum dedicated to Chinese history.

“Malacca was one of the earliest sites for the entry of Chinese into the country.

“One can still find Peranakans who are descendants of early Chinese traders who settled here hundreds of years ago.”

Malacca MCA chief Datuk Gan Tian Loo said Malacca was the ideal site for the museum.

“Malacca played a significant role in Chinese history, not only in Malaysia but also the region.

“Most overseas Chinese including those from China know about Malaysia owing to this,” he said.

Monday, April 25, 2011

MELAKA HISTORICAL CITY METERED TAXIS

State's first fleet of metered cabs

2011/04/24
By Dawn Chan



KUALA LUMPUR: Historical city, Malacca, has added another feather to its cap by having its first metered taxi service called 1Malaysia Cab.

Operated by Warisan Astana Sdn Bhd, the 1Malaysia Cab services started in Malacca in October last year.

It offers Malacca folk and tourists metered taxi services that can be hired via its hunting line.


Warisan Astana executive director Ismail Mahmood said there are 20 executive cabs in Malacca and their fleet are easily recognisable through the trademark blue colour codes. The cars used are Kia Optima and Toyota Innova.

Six months into its operations, Ismail said the service is well-received by both locals and tourists with a cab making an average of seven to eight trips daily.

By end of the year, Ismail said the company is targeting to increase the number of cabs to 50.


"We decided to start this taxi service as there are a lot of city taxis here that don't use meters. They are said to be charging passengers exorbitantly, between RM15 to RM20, for a short ride from Bandar Hilir to Jonker Street. We've tested the system and our meter showed that the trip costs only about RM9.

"Our presence in Malacca does not threaten the livelihood of other cabbies as we focus largely on tourists. We can also ferry passengers all over the country through a packaged deal.

"We complement the city taxis as Malacca does not have executive taxi services. Besides, the public now has an option in terms of transport," said Ismail.


1Malaysia Cab services operate on a tariff approved by the government. Ismail said the meter starts at RM6 and for every 100m it travels, there will be a 20 sen increase.

If the taxi is stationary, the meter jumps 20 sen every 20 seconds. If a passenger calls for a taxi through its hunting line, an additional RM2 will be charged.

Asked if the starting price of RM6 was steep, Ismail said: "We want passengers to try out our executive taxis because our vehicles are comfortable and spacious. We prioritise the safety of our passengers and our taxis are equipped with Global Positioning System devices and their whereabouts can be tracked.

"The GPS system also allows us to inform our passengers the taxis estimated time of arrival at their doorstep should they call for one through the hunting line. Those are our added services.

"Also, the issue of our drivers not using meters will not arise as we have installed seat sensors that activate the meter automatically. Receipts will be issued upon request," he said.

As part of its promotional campaign to increase awareness of its service, Ismail said they're offering a 20 per cent discount to passengers.

Warisan Astana is also working with hotels such as A'Famosa Resort in Alor Gajah and Renaissance Hotel that allow its executive taxis to be based on their premises for the use of hotel guests.

Pahlawan Mall in Bandar Hilir, he added, has also allowed Warisan Astana to have its own taxi stand in front of the complex.

On May 1, they are expected to start their services at the Malacca International Airport.

The 1Malaysia Cab is based at the Malacca International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh. It operates from 6am to midnight daily. For a cab, call 06-2331 666.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

FUN WITH DRY ICE AT MALACCA PLANETARIUM

'Fun with dry ice' programme at Malacca Planetarium

2011/04/11




MALACCA: Students will have a chance to be a scientist for the day at Malacca Planetarium's "Fun With Dry Ice" programme.

The programme will be held on two weekends on April 23 and 24 and April 30 and May 1.

The programme will feature two main experiments using frozen carbon dioxide or dry ice.


Programme director Gomathy Ramasamy of Planetarium Melaka Sdn Bhd said the first experiment would be the classic dry ice bubble demonstration.

"In this experiment, after dry ice is added to a cylinder of coloured warm water and dish washing liquid, students can see a cascade of bubbles vanish in a puff of fog.

"This is a definite 'must-try' experiment," she said.


"There's just something extraordinary about using dry ice as science teachers call the process as solid turns into gas sublimation but for the children, they simply find it amazing."

The second experiment is for deep space object lovers.

"It would feature a 'do-it-yourself comet demonstration', also using frozen carbon dioxide and other materials which you can easily obtain from local stores.


"This activity will introduce the members of the community to the structure of comets, which are in the solar system, and learn the interaction between the comets and the Sun.

"They can make a miniature comet and watch it sublimates, just like when a real comet being heated by the Sun.

"We use dry ice to make a comet because when a comet is far away from the Sun, the carbon dioxide compound remains frozen in the form of dry ice. As it approaches the Sun, the dry ice sublimates and leaves the remains on the location of impact."

For more information, log on to the Planetarium Melaka's website at www.melakaplanetarium.com, or call 06-232 2122/2424.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

HARD ROCK CAFE TO OPEN AT JONKER WALK NEXT SEPTEMBER

The Hard Rock Cafe Melaka which is expected to begin operations next September, can attract between 700,000 and one million patrons monthly.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the new tourism product would be built at a cost of about RM15 million on a 1,858 sq m (20,000 sq ft) site on Jonker Walk here.

He said the restaurant will be a new landmark for Jonker Walk, a focus of tourists from all over the world.

"The construction of the Hard Rock Cafe Melaka will certainly boost the state tourism industry through the presence of more tourists, who want entertainment, food as well as souvenirs offered by the cafe.


"Its presence is also proof of investor confidence in the rapid growth of the Melaka tourism industry," he told reporters after witnessing a signing ceremony between the Historical Melaka City Council(MBMB) and Sovereign Creations Sdn Bhd in relation to the construction of the project. - Bernama

Thursday, March 10, 2011

HIGH SPEED TRAIN FROM KL TO SINGAPORE CAN BENEFIT MELAKA

Recently, Spad announced that they are doing a study on the proposed high speed rail link from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. It shall be ready in8 weeks time. The study hopes to study the impact of this proposed project on property development, transport and social implication to Malaysia and Malaysians alike.

If this project does take off in the future, it can take a route via the following places:-
Kuala Lumpur - Putra Jaya - KLIA - Port Dickson - Kuala Sungai Baru - Masjid Tanah - Sungai Udang - Melaka - Merlimau - Muar - Batu Pahat - Kukup - Tuas - Singapore.

A high speed express train can stop at major cities/towns with minimum stops which the journey can be done within 2.5 hours especially for business and corporate travellers.

Another train can offer the rides in 3,5 hours with stops at more stations where travellers want to travel at a leisurely pace eg tourists and locals at cheaper rates.

Direct impact on development can occur in Kukup/Pontian/Batu Pahat/Merlimau/Melaka/Masjid Tanah/Kuala Sungai Baru/Port Dickson /KLIA/Putrajaya/Cyberjaya/Kuala Lumpur.

The high speed train service can unlock the property potential along the route and allow inter country commuting within Malaysia and Singapore. Investors will be keen to invest in Malaysia by staying in Malaysia but can still work in Singapore and vice versa.

Some food for thought for planners.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

TOURISM MELAKA WEB PORTAL SITE BREACHES 900,000 VISITORS

It is very heartening to see that our Tourism Melaka Web Portal site at www.tourism-melaka.com has received more than 900,000 visitors. This historic mark was breached 3rd. March 2011.

Started in 2001 as a web portal to "Bring Malaccans Together and Malacca to the World", www.tourism-melaka.com began slowly. However, as the years go by, more and more visitors logged into our site as they searched for "Melaka" or "Tourism Melaka".

For 2 years, our website was selected by Tourism Malaysia website as the site to promote Melaka. This helped in increasing our web presence before Tourism Malaysia revised their official website.

In July 2008, Melaka was announced to the world as a UNESCO World Heritage City together with Georgetown in Penang. This further boosted our web visitors and worldwide interest.

To date, about 500 visitors per day come to our front page at www.tourism-melaka.com before going into our content websites for details about Melaka. We expect to reach our next target of 1,000,000 visitors in September or October 2011.

We welcome our visitors to our web portal site and for your continuous support in visiting Melaka and our websites.

Thank you.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

NEW 5 STOREYS HOTEL BEING RENOVATED AT JALAN KEE ANN, MELAKA.


2nd. March 2011

Another building at Jalan Kee Ann is being renovated to be a hotel. Currently, the space is boarded up so that renovations works can be done to turn the whole building into a hotel. The new hotel is expected to have 50 rooms.

Over the years, Jalan Kee Ann has seen a number of budget hotels being operated. Popular hotels include Mimosa Hotel, Gold Leaf Hotel and recently re-opened Hallmark Inn (formerly Regal Hotel at Jalan Munshi Abdullah. Another hotel, Riverside Hotel at the end of Jalan Pasar Baru, is expected to open soon.

Being located near to the Heritage area of Melaka, visitors can stay at Jalan Kee Ann/Bunga Raya area and have a leisurely walk to the heritage area. Ample car parking spaces are also available around the area.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MALAYSIA EYE TO BE READY BY DECEMBER 2011

Malacca to get bigger Ferris wheel

2011/02/22
By Jason Gerald John
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MALACCA: A new Ferris wheel, bigger than the Eyes on Malaysia, will rise again in the historical city here.

The wheel, to be called Malaysia Eye, will stand 88m high and comprise 54 air-conditioned gondolas.

It will be able to ferry six people in a gondola for a 16-minute ride.


Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said Malaysia Eye would begin operating on Dec 1 with a 324- passenger capacity.

"The the cost of bringing Malaysia Eye from China and the construction of a park along with it is RM30 million.

"It would not be located in Kota Laksamana, but in Pulau Melaka," he said, adding that locating the new Ferris wheel on the Eyes on Malaysia site would have implications as it was taller and the project would have to be approved by Unesco because of its World Heritage Sites status.


Ali said the Malaysia Eye project would be handled by The Eye Sdn Bhd.

He said the Malaysia Eye would be better and bigger than the Eyes On Malaysia which closed down due to a dispute between its owners, Fitraco NV of Belgium and MST Ad Suria Sdn Bhd and Eye On Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the company leasing the Ferris wheel.

Besides the new Ferris wheel, Ali said the Pulau Melaka area would also see the development of an Arab city, hotels and apartments.


"We will also have a 1,000-room hotel near Pulau Melaka, which will be developed by the Hatten Group.

"The Malaysia Eye and other attractions in this area, especially the soon-to-be opened Sea Lion Park, are set to be the latest tourist attractions," he added.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

MELAKA TRAM TO BE READY BY MAY 2012

Melaka Tram to open to public in May 2012

2011/02/19




AYER KEROH -- Train maker, Mrails International Sdn Bhd expects its RM272 million Melaka Tram, the first natural gas vehicle (NGV) powered tram in the world, to open to the public in May next year.

Its president and managing director, Datuk Jeya Kumar said, the implementation and application of the environmentally friendly "Next Generation Tram" will revolutionise the locomotive industry.

"We will be using this technology to add convenience to culture and enhance heritage without affecting the environment in compliance with Melaka's status as a Unesco World Heritage Site," he told a media briefing here today.


Kumar said the tram would scrap the traditional "pantograph" system in keeping with the times and also in line with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to combat global warming.

"This also represents our vision to take part in Melaka's growth as an ultimate destination centre for tourism, and marks our commitment to creating sustainable transport systems," he added.

The ground breaking ceremony was performed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak.


Also present was Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said.

Melaka Tram was made official via an agreement between the Chief Minister Incorporation (CMI) and Mrails in March last year.

Under the agreement, the company has agreed to design, construct and finance, manage, maintain and supervise the road tramway and tramcar operations for 25 years, while the financing of the project worth RM272 million is borne by Mrails as well.


The company has also been charged with managing ticket collections for 25 years, with CMI taking 20 per cent in terms of ticket collection and the balance by Mrails, Kumar said.

He highlighted that the Melaka Tram Corridor would begin from its depot adjacent to the Ayer Keroh Toll Plaza heading to the heritage town of Melaka with a distance of 40 kilometres covering 11 of fourteen major tourist spots.

"We will work hand-in-hand with our partners, CNR Tangshan Railway Vehicles Co Ltd, a Chinese-based locomotive manufacturer," he said.

The tram is a rail borne vehicle, lighter than a train and differs from other forms of locomotion, as the tracks are embedded in the street.

It is able to accommodate 120 passengers at one time, caters to the disabled because its ground-level design and will operate at speeds of 40 km/h.

Kumar said Mrails, which is expecting at least a 40,000 ridership daily, would make commuting affordable, with a fare charge of RM2.

It is free for the disabled and students.

Moving forward, the company intends to export its train to other cities in the country as well as overseas, namely to India and Africa next year, he said. -- BERNAMA



Read more: Melaka Tram to open to public in May 2012 http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/MelakaTramtoopentopublicinMay2012/Article/#ixzz1EPEa5s1F

Friday, February 18, 2011

MELAKA TRAM GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY

19th. February 2011

Melaka Tram project has finally taken off today.The ground breaking ceremonyof Melaka Tram system is to be officiated today, 19th. February 2011.

This project has been awarded to Mrails International Sdn. Bhd. and CNG powered trams will be supplied by CNR Tangshan Railway Vehicle Co. Ltd. of China.

Slated to be completed in the middle of 2012, the tram system will travel from Ayer Keroh until the Melaka Heritage area with stops along the route.

One of the tram stops will be near to Renaissance Hotel and possibility in front of Jalan Bunga Raya. Certainly, the tram system will benefit Melaka New Chinatown when it is completed.




WELCOME TO MELAKA NEWCHINATOWN WEB PORTAL

WELCOME AND SELAMAT DATANG TO OUR MELAKA NEW CHINATOWN WEB PORTAL.

This web portal is to compliment our current website at www.tourism-melaka.com/newchinatown. Latest news and events will be posted here so that visitors can read about happenings around Melaka New Chinatown.

At the same time, we want to receive your comments and views regarding any developments which can affect Melaka New Chinatown.