Melaka Developing Two Agrotourism Projects For Tourism

JASIN, Sept 21 (Bernama) — The Melaka government is redeveloping two agrotourism projects — the Melaka Fruit Farm in Sungai Udang and the deer farm in Sungai Rambai — as part of efforts to attract more tourists to the state’s rural areas.

State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the Melaka Fruit Farm will be transformed into a caravan park featuring an agrotourism concept centred on farming and livestock activities.

“These include pineapple and rock melon cultivation as well as cage fish farming, which will not only allow tourists to enjoy the rural atmosphere but also give them hands-on opportunities such as fishing and experiencing agricultural activities for themselves.

“Meanwhile, the deer farm in Sungai Rambai is currently being redeveloped and is expected to be operational by February next year at the latest,” he told reporters in Merlimau Pantai today.

Earlier, Dr Muhamad Akmal opened the “Santuni MADANI (One Leader One Village)” programme, which was also attended by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) group president and chief executive officer, Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad.

According to Dr Muhamad Akmal, the deer farm would also be developed into a “Base Rusa,” a new attraction where visitors can feed the deer, observe the breeding process, and enjoy dishes made from venison prepared on-site.

He said the initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to expand tourism into rural areas, following Melaka’s record of nearly 15 million tourist arrivals last year, most of which were concentrated in urban locations.

“When tourism grows in the villages, it creates downstream industries that can boost the local economy and directly benefit the residents.

“Insya Allah, this is the new direction of agrotourism that is being mapped out for Melaka,” he added.

He said the projects have already gone through the tender process and are currently in the development stage, being carried out in collaboration with the State Department of Veterinary Services and the Department of Agriculture.

-- BERNAMA