Melaka - Once a river choked by mud and silt, polluted by waste and carcass, the Sungai Melaka now exudes a totally different image of itself - a clean and beautiful river.
The positive transformation is much attributed to the Melaka state government‘s earnestness in returning the river‘s lost glory.
The efforts to spruce up Sungai Melaka was inspired by the success of a similar undertaking on the San Antonio river in Texas, United States, that is now known for its cleanliness and beauty and attracts 13 million visitors annually.
The efforts, in four phase, costing RM335 million began in 2002 and now has entered the final phase that involves the building of a water-gate that is expected to be ready by the end of coming January.
REVIVING SUNGAI MELAKA
The Melaka River and Beach Development Corporation has been entrusted with the task of returning Sungai Melaka to its former glory as a river steeped in history.
The Sungai Melaka at one time was a leading trade gateway in the region and even dubbed as the "Venice of the East", where the traders of East and West met.
The river with its estuary in Bandar Hilir here and opening into the Melaka Strait, played an important role during the golden age of the Malay Sultanate and during the Portuguese, Dutch, English and Japanese occupation.
However, with the passage of time it lost its esteem. Firstly mud and silt had slowed its flow and the river was no longer navigable. Secondly, after Merdeka, land and air transport saw rapid development leaving Sungai Melaka doomed to oblivion.
But now, the efforts to develop Sungai Melaka seems to have paid off as the river has been successfully turned into another tourism offering in the state and it can also serve as an alternative transport mode and inspire new economic activities along its banks.
ALI RUSTAM CONFIDENT OF SUNGAI MELAKA‘S POTENTIAL
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Ali Rustam who is highly confident of the river‘s potential, called upon the private sector to set up hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops along the river.
The related government agencies and department were tasked in developing the river that includes providing various new inputs to attract more tourists to the state.
Those cruising along the river will be able to see tourist attractions like the Jonker Walk, the Merdeka Memorial, the A Famosa fort, Stadthuys, Padang Nyiru, Spice Park and Kampung Morten (the only Malay village at the heart of Melaka Town), a RM3.3 million theme park with a mock pirate ship, trampoline bungee jump and a Ferris Wheel like the Eye On Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
Other than a walkway along the river, passenger boat service would be provided by the Melaka River Cruise for visitors to cruise along the river, a brainchild of Mohd Ali.
Melaka River Cruise is working to increase the number of boats in its fleet to 12 by the end of the year compared to the existing five.
The boat service began on November 2005 in conjunction with the state level Aidilfitri celebrations held along a four-kilometre stretch of the river.
The year 2005 was also significant for Sungai Melaka as the members of the Conference of Rulers who met at the Istana Melaka from 21 to 24 November, went on a cruise on the river.
SAFEGUARDING A HISTORICAL ASSET
Mohd Ali said if in those days the river was known for trade, now it is known for its beauty and its legacy.
If foreigners could feel proud of the rivers like San Antonio, Melaka too could take pride of the beauty of Sungai Melaka.
Mohd Ali is confident that when all beautification works are completed, Sungai Melaka can even match San Antonio.
THE SUNGAI MELAKA FESTIVAL
To appreciate the beauty and cleanliness of the river, Mohd Ali invites the public including tourists from all over the world to the Sungai Melaka Festival 2007 from November 1 to 8.
A number of events has been lined up, among others treasure hunt, telematch, jet ski show and island hopping, uptown nite market, a public talk, sales and exhibition, night museum, night zoo, shows by artistes, fireworks show and futsal.
Many more events have been lined up for people from all ages and levels. So come and appreciate Sungai Melaka‘s beauty and join in the events to celebrate Sungai Melaka‘s revival.
Source: www.bernama.com.my (2 November 2007)
