Malacca targets 20,000 visitors to celebrate new year

MALACCA: More than 20,000 visitors are expected to throng 1Malaysia Square in Klebang here to welcome 2017 as well as celebrating 755 years of Malacca.
The new year countdown celebration, to start at 8.30pm on Dec 31 until 12.30am on Jan 1, 2017, is organised by the Tourism Promotion Division which is now known as Tourism Malacca.
Deputy State Exco for Tourism and River, Beach and Island Development Datuk Ghazale Muhamad said the programme aimed to revive the spirit of goodwill among the local community and tourists – local and foreign alike – apart from promoting the latest tourism products available in the state.
"Apart from firework display, many activities for the whole family have been lined up including performances by Datuk Ramli Sarip, Ito Blues Gang, cultural performances and the launch of 2017 Malacca tourism events calendar by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron," he told Bernama when contacted here today.
He also said the state government would also organise Malacca Tourism Week, where various activities such as traditional/folk games, exhibition, cultural performances, magic show, food truck and car boot sale would be held for visitors at the same venue on Dec 30.
Meanwhile, the state government will restructure the Housing Project for the Hardcore Poor (PPRT) 2 to ensure the target group would be able to remove itself from the shackles of poverty.
State Agriculture and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasan Abdul Rahman said under PPRT 2 programme, the authority would identify the interest or inclination of target group to help lift itself out of poverty.
"The selected sector can be either entrepreneurial or business that will be the main source of income for them to improve their economic status and to become skilled workers or professionals," he told Bernama when met here today.
He said the potential target group would receive a variety of assistances including grants and equipment from various agencies, including the Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (Tekun Nasional) and Bumiputera Youth Entrepreneurs (Tube).
"We expect this target group to continue independently after completing the training provided. They are hoped to be able to stand on their own and will assist other disadvantaged groups in return," he said. — Bernama