Angkasa Launches 'Rasa Melaka' Showcasing Local Gastronomy, Culture And Cooperative Entrepreneurship

MELAKA, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) launched 'Rasa Melaka by Angkasa', a new pilot project showcasing local gastronomy, culture, and cooperative entrepreneurship in the tourist hotspot area of Jalan Kasturi here today.

Angkasa president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah said that the state’s UNESCO-recognised tourism, heritage and cultural status gives cooperatives a distinct advantage in venturing into this new field.

He said the project is a collaboration between Angkasa, the Melaka Islamic Religious Council, Koperasi Hajah Che Me Melaka Berhad, Koperasi Abang Beca Melaka Berhad, Koperasi SMK Tun Ghafar Baba Berhad, and Koperasi Gabungan Kariah Masjid-Masjid Negeri Melaka Berhad.

“The project provides participating cooperatives the opportunity to promote traditional foods, handicrafts, cultural experiences and community tourism packages, to directly benefit the local economy,” he said.

“For example, visitors can capture memories by renting and wearing traditional Malay and other ethnic attire, or take a trishaw tour around Jonker Walk and nearby heritage sites through the packages offered,” he told reporters today.

He was speaking after the pre-launch of the project, which was officiated by the state executive councillor for Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs, Allex Seah Shoo Chin.

Also present was Mustafa Kamal Mohd Nor, Malaysia Co-operative Commission director for Melaka.

Abdul Fattah said the 'Rasa Melaka by Angkasa' project will strengthen inclusive economic development through sustainable tourism, and has the potential to be expanded to other states, thereby reinforcing cooperatives as the backbone of the community-based tourism sector in Malaysia.

The launch of this new Angkasa initiative, he noted, will also indirectly support the government's efforts to promote the national tourism sector, particularly in preparation for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.

"Based on the latest statistics, there are over 300 cooperatives in Melaka involved in the tourism sector. We aim to add value through gastronomic and cultural elements to enhance these cooperatives.

"Cooperatives have extensive capacity to become strategic partners in driving tourism that benefits local communities," he said.

-- BERNAMA