MELAKA, Sept 11 (Bernama) — The 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in Melaka has not only strengthened regional security cooperation but also served as a platform to promote the state as a safe tourist destination.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the success of the prestigious event reflects the trust of ASEAN countries in Melaka’s ability to be a safe international venue, which in turn gives tourists full confidence to visit.
He said this confidence is supported by a low crime index record, including snatch theft and robbery cases. In fact, Melaka recorded zero crime in tourist hotspots throughout the 2024 Visit Melaka year.
“This factor becomes an unique added value for tourists, especially as Melaka is actively preparing for World Tourism Day (WTD) and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) which will take place in less than two weeks,” he said.
He spoke to reporters after attending the Gala Dinner in conjunction with the 19th AMMTC here tonight. Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and ASEAN delegates.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said the 19th AMMTC delegates and dialogue partners were not only involved in discussions on regional security issues such as online fraud, human trafficking, and drug abuse, but also had the opportunity to experience Melaka’s uniqueness through recreational programmes outside the conference hall.
“Yesterday, I took the opportunity to promote Melaka by bringing 350 delegates on a 40-minute boat ride along the Melaka River to see the history, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the beauty of this heritage city.
“The feedback received was very positive, and some delegates even expressed interest in coming again, and I believe this strategy is very accurate in helping to promote safe tourism here,” he said.
Melaka is now the focus of the region as ministers and senior ASEAN officials responsible for security and combating transnational crime gather from Sept 8 to 12 to attend the 19th AMMTC and related meetings.
The programme is held in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 with the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” which reflects Malaysia’s commitment to building a safer and more prosperous ASEAN community.
— BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
