Melaka: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is poised to significantly bolster Melaka's status as a leading tourist hotspot and regional halal hub, while also enhancing the state's preparedness for climate change and infrastructure advancements.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh expressed his support for the federal government's emphasis on developing the Special Tourism Investment Zone (STIZ), positioning Melaka as a focal point. He highlighted that STIZ would serve as a catalyst for new tourism initiatives centered around art, culture, heritage, and the natural environment, thereby increasing Melaka's competitiveness on the global stage.

The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the state's dedication to advancing national goals within the halal industry, aiming for a halal export value of RM80 billion and contributing 11 percent to Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A key component of this strategy is the development of the Halal Industrial Park and the establishment of the Malaysian Halal Commission in Melaka.

In addition, he revealed that the state government has proposed 258 high-impact projects under the 13MP Rolling Plan 1, projected to cost RM7.15 billion by 2026. These projects focus on modern infrastructure development, the digital economy, and strategic state industries.

Melaka is also set to gain from the Sungai Baru flood mitigation plan, which aims to minimize disaster risks. The state government is committed to the Water Transformation Plan 2040 to secure a reliable water supply.

Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh emphasized that the successful implementation of these initiatives under 13MP will rely on collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments, the private sector, and cooperatives, ensuring that the people of Melaka reap the benefits of inclusive and impactful development.