malaysiang
MELAKA: Melaka is taking steps to resume flights to Pekan Baru, Indonesia, in a bid to bolster health tourism in the state, announced Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He highlighted that the initiative is driven by the notable influx of 82,941 health tourists from Indonesia who sought medical treatment in Melaka last year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Chief Minister mentioned the significant potential for airlines to establish direct routes from Indonesia to the Melaka International Airport (LTAM). The state government is hopeful for support and collaboration from the federal government, particularly the Transport and Defence Ministries, to position LTAM as the primary choice for light and private aircraft. These remarks were made during the launch of the Melaka International Air Carnival 2024 at LTAM, Batu Berendam.
The event was attended by key officials, including the state Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, and Public Works, Infrastru
cture, Public Amenities and Transport Committee chairman, Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer. In a conversation with reporters, Ab Rauf expressed Melaka’s potential to emerge as an aviation hub linking western Indonesia and Singapore. He emphasized the opportunity for local airlines to create a transit link from Indonesia to Melaka and beyond to Singapore.
The annual air carnival, featuring 38 aircraft, including contributions from eight uniformed bodies, 11 light aircraft from aviation clubs, 13 paramotors, three gliders, and three microlights, is taking place from October 31 to November 3. Over 500 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore are partaking in the ninth edition of this event.
