Melaka: The Melaka state government has allocated RM300,000 under a special incentive scheme for tourism, arts, heritage, and culture associations as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) this year, empowering them to ensure the success of Visit Melaka Year 2.0 and Visit Malaysia 2026.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced that eligibility for this funding is open to associations and NGOs registered with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) that are active in the fields of tourism, arts, heritage, or culture. The aim is to enhance the role of these groups as strategic partners, boosting their spirit and strengthening their capacity to be more proactive and competitive. This initiative is aligned with efforts to boost the state's economic growth through tourism activities for upcoming events.
During a recent event at his office in Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh, Ab Rauf distributed incentives to eight associations, each receiving RM10,000. The recipients included the Melaka Tourism Association (MTA), the Melaka chapter of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), and the Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA). Other recipients were the Melaka State Homestay Operators Association, the Melaka State Bumiputera Resort and Chalet Operators Association, the Malacca Historic City Tourist Guide Association, and the Melaka Theatre Organisation (PERTEM).
Melaka Tourism Promotion Division (BPP) general manager Nasrul Ahmad stated that applications for the incentive must be submitted by the end of October to ensure the evaluation and disbursement process is completed before the close of the state government's financial year. Each application must include a form, a cover letter, and a proposal paper for the planned programme or activity. A special committee, chaired by the state secretary and the state Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman, will evaluate these submissions.
Nasrul mentioned that the financial assistance available ranges from RM5,000 to RM10,000, contingent upon the proposal's evaluation and the planned programme. Due to an expected high volume of applications, only associations meeting the conditions with suitable proposals will be considered.
In another initiative, Nasrul noted that the state government received a corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution of RM150,000 from Bonia Corporation Berhad. This includes RM50,000 in cash for the Tourism Trust Fund and RM100,000 in merchandise, which will be used as prizes for tourism programmes and events. This collaboration exemplifies corporate sector involvement in supporting the development of Melaka's tourism industry.