Kota kinabalu: The combination of Sabah's strengths as an ecotourism destination and Melaka's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site can add value to the nation's tourism industry through enhanced strategic cooperation between the two states. Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, highlighted the potential for collaboration after meeting with Melaka Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views, share best practices, and explore areas of collaboration that would benefit both states, particularly in strengthening the domestic and international tourism industries. Datuk Jafry Ariffin noted that each state has its own unique strengths; Sabah is known for its rich biodiversity, ecotourism, and diverse cultures, while Melaka is recognized for its historical and heritage value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Earlier, a strategic engagement session was held, attended by key figures including Melaka Chief Minister's Department Tourism Promotion Division general manager Nasrul Ahmad, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Melaka branch director Mohamad Bukhari Che Man, and other department heads. The session focused on potential collaborations in tourism promotion, heritage and culture-based tourism product development, heritage site conservation, and the exchange of expertise between relevant agencies.

Jafry emphasized the importance of interstate cooperation to ensure Malaysia continues to offer high-quality and competitive tourism experiences. He mentioned that Sabah is ready to expand collaboration with Melaka through joint promotional programs, technical expertise exchange, and developing tourism packages linking key destinations in both states.

He expressed confidence that the close ties between Sabah and Melaka would continue to strengthen, benefiting the tourism industry, local communities, and state economies, while contributing to the overall development of the country's tourism sector.