Melaka-KK direct flights soon

Kota Kinabalu: Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahari said the close relations between Melaka and Sabah will be strengthened through direct flights from the Melaka Airport (LTAM) and Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).He said a decision will be made soon after discussions with Malaysian Airport Holdings Berhad and the cooperation of the Ministry of Transport.

"These are among the initiatives planned by the state in conjunction with the Melaka Visit Year next year, as well as expanding tourism industry in both states," he said during a visit to the Cocoa Biotechnology Research Centre at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, Friday.

Adly said they were looking at the potential of developing the cocoa industry on Pulau Besar, Melaka, which the Melaka Government was looking at turning into a duty-free island.

They were also looking at the tourism potential as Melaka last year had received 17 million visitors.

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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

"With the 17 million visitors to Melaka, we can see that cocoa through chocolate products can be further developed and this is a downstream industry that can help develop the country's cocoa industry.

"The information gathered here will help to speed up the process to make Pulau Besar Duty free Island a success."

"I am confident that the people of both states will benefit from the economic strategy that we are planning."

Deputy Primary Industries Minister Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin welcomed Adly's plan to further develop cocoa as a potential agro tourism product.

"We have looked at several models already and we hope to carry out as a pilot project on the matter as mention by Melaka Chief Minister where I believe that it is in line with the country's commodity policies and can bring a positive input to the country's cocoa industry.

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He said the country's Cocoa industry via its chocolates has already reached more than 100 destinations worldwide.

"Export revenue-wise we are targeting RM6 billion by 2020. With a more efficient approach by the Cocoa Board, I believe we can target up to RM10 billion in terms of revenue so we are on the right track."

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