MELAKA: About 15,000 visitors are expected to be at Dataran Pengkalan Rama on Dec 31 to welcome the new year and Visit Melaka Year 2024 (VMY2024).

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is scheduled to launch the VMY 2024.

He said various interesting activities such as fireworks display, art and cultural performances, and performances by well-known local artistes have been drawn up for the event.

Ab Rauf said he was happy with the preparations for the two events.

“I notice that the cruise boats at the Melaka River have been given a new look with different sponsors who advertise their products and services.

“Overall, I see preparations for the celebration of the two events have reached 50 per cent,“ he told reporters after unveiling a Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) mural in conjunction with VMY2024 on the Wall of the Melaka Tengah police station at Jalan Mahkamah here last night.

Also present were the Mayor of the Historic Melaka City Council (MBMB) Datuk Shadan Othman and the Melaka Tengah District Police Chief ACP Christopher Patit.

Ab Rauf said two art and cultural groups from the Guangxi Province, in China, would also be performing at the launch of the VMY2024.

“It is to symbolise the relationship between Melaka and China that has been established since the era of the Malacca Malay Sultanate,” he said.

Ab Rauf said during his working visit to Guangxi Province last week, he had discussed the technical matters for a live broadcast of the launching of VMY 2024 to the province.–Bernama