UMNO Youth Chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh has defended Melaka’s tourism model, saying the state has successfully attracted millions of visitors without relying on street-style entertainment or music festival formats.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Akmal said Melaka recorded around 15 million tourists last year, generating billions in revenue, which he described as proof that heritage- and culture-based tourism remains highly effective.
He said Melaka’s approach integrates traditional elements into its tourism events, including cultural performances, traditional attire showcases and local music, rather than what he described as “street disco-style” entertainment.
Akmal was responding to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, who had urged critics of the Rain Rave Water Music Festival to offer more constructive suggestions instead of simply opposing such events.
He insisted that Malaysia’s tourism promotion should focus on local identity and cultural uniqueness so that international visitors can better appreciate the country’s heritage.
“Street disco-style events with water splashing are not Malaysian culture,” he said, adding that promoting foreign-style entertainment does not reflect the nation’s identity.
Akmal also invited Teresa to visit Melaka to observe firsthand how the state promotes tourism through cultural heritage rather than modern festival-style entertainment.
He added that he does not need to present new proposals, but instead will demonstrate Melaka’s success as a leading tourism destination through its existing model.
