Melaka: The Melaka government is in the process of redeveloping two agrotourism projects-the Melaka Fruit Farm in Sungai Udang and the deer farm in Sungai Rambai-to attract more tourists to the state's rural areas. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh announced these plans, emphasizing the transformation of the Melaka Fruit Farm into a caravan park with an agrotourism concept focused on farming and livestock activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new developments will feature activities such as pineapple and rock melon cultivation and cage fish farming, offering tourists hands-on experiences like fishing and participating in agricultural activities. Meanwhile, the deer farm in Sungai Rambai is undergoing redevelopment and is projected to be operational by February next year. Dr Muhamad Akmal mentioned that this site would evolve into 'Base Rusa,' a novel attraction where visitors can feed deer, observe the breeding process, and enjoy venison dishes prepared on-site.

The initiative is part of the state government's strategy to expand tourism into rural areas, following Melaka's record of nearly 15 million tourist arrivals last year, predominantly concentrated in urban locations. Dr Muhamad Akmal highlighted that growing tourism in villages could create downstream industries, boosting the local economy and directly benefiting residents. He expressed optimism about the new direction of agrotourism being charted for Melaka, with the projects having gone through the tender process and currently in the development stage. The projects are being executed in collaboration with the State Department of Veterinary Services and the Department of Agriculture.