MELAKA ADDS MORE PRODUCTS TO ATTRACT TOURISTS

KOTA BAHARU (Malaysia), Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Southern state of Melaka will
create several new tourism products to attract more local and foreign tourists
to the state, starting next year.

Melaka Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam said among the new tourism products
to be introduced by the state are a water them park, the world's largest
television water screen, monorail, the tram and cable car, all built in Melaka
town.

"These new tourist attractions are possible with the cooperation of private
companies that are also interested in attracting more tourists from the country
and abroad.

"Melaka's World Heritage status given by Unesco will also give an
opportunity for Malaysia and Melaka to be introduced to the world," he told
reporters after the "Jom Ke Melaka" Tourism Promotion Launching Ceremony, here
Friday. Mohd Ali said the state government will ensure that these attractions
last as they were strong pull factors for tourists.

He added they targeted 8.2 million tourists in the state by 2010, with a
total revenue of RM5.6 billion. (US$1=RM3.62)

Meanwhile, the Melaka government retracted its directive which banned all
employees of state government departments and agencies from official visits to
northeast state of Kelantan.

Mohd Ali said it was done following satisfaction on opposition PAS
leaders' attitude
who no longer labeled United Malays National Organisation (Umno), which is
leading the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, leaders and members as infidels.

"As of today (Friday), all state government agencies can hold official
visits to Kelantan without any problems as there are no more statements saying
Umno members and leaders are infidels," he said.
-- BERNAMA