Melaka: The Melaka-Dutch batik, which incorporates elements of the kesidang flower and tulip, stemming from the long-standing cultural and heritage ties between Melaka and the Netherlands, has the potential to be promoted as a new tourism product. Tourism Melaka Promotion Division general manager Nasrul Ahmad said the product, launched and officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh at the Malakka Dutch @ Melaka Festival today, was created by internationally renowned local fashion designer Karl Ho.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nasrul welcomed the creation of the Melaka-Dutch batik, highlighting the kesidang flower, Melaka's official flower, and the tulip, which is synonymous with the Netherlands. He mentioned plans to bring this matter to the state government level to assess its suitability to be developed as a new tourism product, and subsequently promote it more widely.

Nasrul shared these insights after the opening ceremony of the Malakka Dutch @ Melaka Festival, officiated by Ab Rauf and attended by Dutch Ambassador to Malaysia Jacques Werner. He noted that this year's festival, themed education tourism, aimed to provide exposure on the historical, heritage, and cultural ties between Melaka and the Netherlands.

The Malakka Dutch @ Melaka Festival, now in its 10th edition, featured 12 programmes with participation from more than 3,000 people, especially school students. Among the programmes held during the one-day festival were a handicraft bazaar, Dutch traditional games, and traditional kuih-making demonstrations. Nasrul commented on the improvements in the programme content each year to enhance the understanding of the relationship between Melaka and the Netherlands.