Activities galore in Malacca

Malacca - total of 15 programmes have been lined up for the month-long festivities in conjunction with the declaration of historic Malacca city as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said that the festivities would begin on Aug 1, next to the 17th century Dutch Stadhuys complex and would be officiated by Malacca Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

"The festivities will include performances and procession by 15 cultural troupes, exhibitions and fireworks which are aimed at bringing back the nostalgic feeling of the city`s glorious era as the Malacca Malay Empire," he said before chairing the state exco meeting here recently.

He also said that thanksgiving prayers would be held at the Kampung Hulu mosque, Cheng Hoon Teng temple, Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi temple and St Francis Xavier church on Aug 7.

He added that other activities such as a heritage river cruise, a cultural carnival, cultural wedding exhibition and a cultural cooking competition would also be held.

"We have identified five sites to set up the commemorative declaration plaque but have yet to decide on the location," he added.

The five sites are Padang Nyiru next to St. Francis Church, in front of the Victoria Fountain, near the famous cendol stall next to the Malacca River, in front of Quayside restaurant near the Water Wheel and the Malacca River promenade at the proposed CIQ Complex.

He also added that traditional wedding shows for different ethnic groups in Malacca will also be showcased in Kampung Hulu, Portuguese Settlement, Jonker Walk and Kampung Chetty every weekend starting from Aug 20.

Meanwhile, the public have been advised to take note of road closures that will affect several main routes in the heart of the city beginning 7.30pm to about midnight.

This includes parts of Jalan Laksamana, Hang Tuah Mall and parts of Tengkera and the Sultan Aziz bridge leading to Melaka Raya. By CHEN PELF YEEN

Source: http://travel.asiaone.com (August 07, 2008)
Credit Photo: www.unc.edu

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