Melaka: The Melaka government has amassed a total of RM59.6 million in heritage charges since the levy was introduced in 2012, targeting out-of-state visitors who stay at registered hotels within the state. State Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman shared these figures during a session at the Melaka State Legislative Assembly, held at Kompleks Seri Negeri.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the largest contribution came from the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB), which brought in RM50.9 million. This was followed by RM6.6 million from the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ), RM1.8 million from the Alor Gajah Municipal Council (MPAG), and RM209,000 from the Jasin Municipal Council (MPJ). The collected funds were divided with 60 percent, equating to RM35.75 million, allocated to the state government, while the remaining 40 percent, or RM23.85 million, was distributed among the local authorities.

Abdul Razak detailed that out of the state's share, RM34,668,367.90 was transferred to the government via the Melaka State Heritage Charge Trust Account. A substantial portion of this fund, RM28.35 million, was spent on various tourism industry development projects, adhering to the Trust Account's guidelines.

The Heritage Charge initially set at RM2 in 2012, was revised to a range of RM3 to RM5 starting in 2025, contingent on the classification of tourism premises. This adjustment received approval from the State Executive Council (MMKN). The increase in tourist arrivals, particularly driven by initiatives like Visit Melaka Year (TMM) and the Car-Free Zone (CFZ) in Banda Hilir, has heightened accommodation demands, thereby boosting Heritage Charge revenues.

Statistics from 2025 indicate that the revised rates led to a collection of RM7,601,179, marking a significant increase from RM4,781,244 in 2024. This surge of RM2,819,935, or 58.98 percent, has fortified state revenue, supporting heritage conservation, preservation, and the growth of Melaka's tourism sector.