Visitors heading to Melaka next year might want to pack a Nyonya kebaya, it could get them free entry to some of the state’s most popular attractions, including the Melaka Zoo and the Melaka River Cruise.
Photo via CK Travels
According to The Star, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced that the initiative will be introduced as part of Melaka’s efforts to honour and preserve its rich Peranakan heritage.
He explained that the idea celebrates the legacy of the Peranakan Chinese and Chetti communities, who have played a major role in shaping Melaka’s identity, “Melaka is unique, and this initiative is our way of recognising the long history and cultural wealth of our Peranakan Chinese and Chetti communities,” he said during a Deepavali celebration in Ujong Pasir on 22 October.
The chief minister added that the move ties into Melaka’s wider tourism vision — one that promotes the state’s multicultural character while giving visitors a more immersive cultural experience.
“Our heritage is not just something to preserve, but something to live and share with the world. By celebrating our culture through tourism, we help every community continue to thrive,” he said.
He also emphasised that Melaka remains committed to sustainable and inclusive tourism, noting that close cooperation with local businesses and communities will be key in strengthening the industry and creating more opportunities for residents.
In short, Melaka hopes this new initiative will allow visitors to experience its cultural roots more deeply — while looking stylish in a kebaya.
