Melaka Gateway: Cruise terminal to drive tourism boom

Melaka is poised to become the home of Malaysia’s largest international cruise terminal, with an estimated value of RM9 billion.

The ambitious project, a key component of the Melaka Gateway development on Pulau Melaka, is projected to be finalised by 2026.

This groundbreaking terminal aims to accommodate multiple cruise ships simultaneously, setting its sights on becoming Southeast Asia’s premier cruise destination, projected to draw in 15.8 million tourists by 2036.

Melaka poised as cruise stopover hub

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh has outlined the transformative impact of the Melaka Gateway project on the state’s tourism industry. by shifting Melaka from a seasonal to a year-round tourism economy.

Ab Rauf highlighted the terminal’s potential to attract more foreign tourists, asserting its role as an economic catalyst for the broader tourism sector.

The cooperation between Melaka International Cruise Terminal Sdn Bhd (MICTSB) and Global Ports Holding PLC (GPH) was formalised at the Tun Mutahir Meeting Room, marking a crucial step in the terminal’s development.

The Chief Minister highlighted the strategic significance of the terminal, positioning Melaka as a vital stopover for cruise ships navigating from Singapore to Phuket.

Against the backdrop of the bustling Melaka Strait, accommodating around 100,000 ships annually, Melaka is set to become the largest stopover destination in both the nation and Southeast Asia.

Terminal creates opportunities for thousands

Ab Rauf projected substantial economic benefits stemming from the Melaka International Cruise Terminal (MICT).

With an estimated value of RM9 billion, the project is expected to generate between 45,000 to 60,000 job opportunities.

The Chief Minister stressed that the terminal’s construction would position Melaka as a competitive economy, offering high-value employment opportunities.

Moreover, the completion of the terminal is poised to open avenues for skilled workers in the maritime industry, with over 30,000 individuals projected to acquire expertise in the cruise ship sector within the next decade.

The Chief Minister’s emphasis on job creation underscores the broader impact the terminal will have on Melaka’s economic landscape.

The strategic investment is poised to create a ripple effect, not only boosting the state’s economy but also offering a considerable influx of skilled employment opportunities in the maritime sector.

Ab Rauf affirmed the state government’s commitment to facilitating the seamless construction of the terminal, asserting that it will propel Melaka to new heights in the tourism-based economy.

The state’s cooperation and support are crucial elements in realising this monumental development, ensuring that Melaka’s tourism sector becomes a beacon of economic prosperity.

Source: Melaka Hari Ini