Marinas to Come to Malacca Straits

The Malacca Government plans to attract some 20 per cent of more than 3,000 yachts passing through the Straits of Malacca each year with the construction of Marinas along the Klebang and Tanjung Kling coastal line.

The building of the marina would be a private sector initiative with the support from the State Government in terms of land, basic infrastructure and also policies.

Chief Minister, Datuk Wira Idris Haron said the State, once a famed port of call by sailors from all four corners of the world, has the potential to see its glorious past return by tapping on a fraction of the sailors who pass through the longest straits in the world.

“I was told that at least 3,000 yachts pass through the Straits of Malacca annually and if we can get some 500 of them to stop in the State, it would surely not only be a boost for tourism but also create an economic spin off for the local economy.

“The sailors travelling in their own yachts are in a league of their own and they do not mind throwing money if they are able to get the best of services in their port of berth.

“With the marinas, we would also provide services such as maintenance for their vessels, medical attention, food and beverages and also other facilities to attract them to come a calling,” he said.

Idris said this to reporters after launching two new Catamarans, a 50-footer and a 33-footer, built by local boat manufacturer, Boat Explorer Sdn Bhd, at the Seafarer Restaurant in Klebang, here, today.

Idris said the Klebang and Tanjung Kling area could be the next 'Gold Coast' within Asean.

(Source: Google News: New Straits Times. View the original story here.)