Ex-Hang Tuah vessel handed over to Perak, will become a maritime tourism memorial museum to open by 2027.
LUMUT: The Ex-Hang Tuah vessel, handed over to the Perak government today, will become the Royal Ship Hang Tuah Memorial Museum, opening to the public in 2027 as a maritime tourism attraction.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the project integrates historical heritage, education, tourism and community development to preserve the historic asset for future generations. He said the memorial museum will be developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) between Menteri Besar Incorporated (MB Inc) Perak and Aero Art Sdn Bhd, which will coordinate and oversee implementation.
“The project will include a public park with free access, a commercial zone for local entrepreneurs, family and community activity spaces, as well as facilities for organising programmes, exhibitions and conferences. The first phase of the project will cost RM30 million and will be implemented in stages,” he told a press conference after the handover ceremony by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), represented by Western Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Datuk Baharudin Wan Md Nor, at the Lumut Naval Base.
Saarani added the development will revitalise the Marina Wing and Esplanade areas in Lumut through increased visitor arrivals, business activity and job creation for the local community.
“The project is in line with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, which emphasises sustainable development to stimulate the local economy, expand income-generating opportunities and deliver direct benefits to the people,” he said.
He said the military tourism concept introduced through the memorial museum will diversify the state’s maritime tourism products while serving as a tribute to the service and sacrifices of RMN personnel in safeguarding the nation’s maritime security and sovereignty.
