MELAKA (Jan 2): The Melaka Government formed a committee through its subsidiary, Melaka Heritage Sdn Bhd, last month to safeguard and preserve its heritage and history, said Chief Minister Adly Zahari.

This, he added, was in line with the recognition requirements of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and to help boost the State’s economy through the tourism sector.

He said the formation of the Melaka Heritage was approved by the State Executive Council last November.

“We received a letter from the Tourism Ministry regarding this matter (ensuring Melaka fulfilled the requirements for Unesco requirements), although we took proactive steps by setting up the committee earlier,” he told reporters after visiting some of the State tourism centres here today.

Adly had earlier visited several tourism centres in Ayer Keroh, including the Melaka Zoo and Malaysian Mini Park as well as Jonker Walk and travelling along the Melaka River to view the tourist attractions in the State.

Meanwhile, he said the Government would give more prominence to lesser-known tourist spots like the Munshi Abdullah residence located near Jonker Walk.

“He is a well-known figure in Malaysian history but not many know where he stayed. So, the State government, through the Melaka Museum Corporation (Perzim), will make it one of the latest attractions for tourists.

“These are some of the aspects we need to give more attention to and we need to maximise our tourism products to woo more visitors to the State in line with Visit Melaka Year 2019,” he said.