The Economic Planning Unit together with the Prime Minister's Department and the Melaka State Government have engaged on the implementaion of some of the policies and strategies in the 12th Malaysia Plan for the States economic revival. Attended by Datuk Seri Haji Sulaiman Chief Minister of Melaka and Dato 'Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department the session was primarily on announncement on the initiatives which focuses more on aspects of poverty and the tourism sector. Based on the 2020 Income and Poverty Incidence Report published by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the incidence of absolute poverty in Melaka for 2020 is estimated to increase to 6.1%, however rate is still lower than the national incidence of absolute poverty at 8.4%. 12MP aims to address some these issues and give greater emphasis to address poverty, strengthen inclusivity as well as help Melaka people achieve a decent standard of living. Measures will be focused on education and training, entrepreneurship, social protection for all households especially the poor. Accordingly, the eKasih System will be reviewed and strengthened in identifying, implementing and monitoring poverty eradication programs. As for tourism, the industry is one of the main economic sectors in the state, in 2019, Melaka recorded the arrival of 14 million domestic visitors, generating a receipt of RM6.4 billion with an average number of days stay for domestic visitors was 2.29 days. However, this was affected in 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19, in 2020, the number of domestic visitors decreased by 48% to 7.3 million while receipts decreased to RM2.4 billion. Among the measures outlined by the Government in the 12th Malaysia Plan to revitalise the tourism sector include: a. Prioritising hygiene and safety elements in all tourism activity b. Provide quality products and services; c. Improving sustainability of the sector d. Strengthen branding and promotion; e. Strengthen governance to ensure high quality service delivery. The Government will also focus specifically in improving service delivery, providing quality and attractive tourism products as well as empowering & enhancing the involvement of local communities in the development of the tourism sector in the state of Melaka. In this effort, the wealth in heritage assets and the position of Melaka as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will be further strengthened as a key attraction. Throughout the 11MP, the State was allocated a development expenditure of RM2.64 billion, as for 2022, the allocation is RM429 million which is higher than RM391 million in 2021. This is for the implementation of 169 development projects under the 12MP comprising 42 new projects and 147 extension projects. Among the development projects that have been approved include: a. Construction of Terendak Camp Army Hospital Annex Building; b. Construction of a New School of 25 Classrooms, Student Dormitories, Teachers and Staff Quarters at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsan Agama, Alor Gajah; c. Build a New Road from Jalan Bukit Katil to Taman Puncak Bukit Katil; and d. Upgrading the Jalan Kubu Fire and Rescue Station.
