Melaka River International Festival Expected To Draw Over One Million Visitors

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia's Melaka state government expects over one million visitors from both locally and abroad to attend the Melaka River International Festival next month. Chief Minister Idris Haron (picture) said the festival scheduled for Sept 2 to 18 would be held at Restoran Melayu Square, Kampung Morten here. "Among the events expected to woo many visitors is an international marathon, which offers prizes money totalling US$2,505 (RM10,000)," he told reporters here Tuesday. Idris said among other activities that would be held were a stage play on Malay legendary warrior Hang Tuah, Ratu Kebaya (a traditional outfit) competition and decorated boat competition. He said an international forum on river management would also be held during the festival which would be participated by about 40 agencies under the state government. The festival which is organised based on the 1Malaysia concept also promotes 12 major tourism sub-sectors in Melaka state which has been recognised as a world heritage site by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. (photoBERNAMA) --BERNAMA