Malacca’s past set to come alive

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians will get a chance to experience the lively mysterious tales of Malacca in a refreshing heritage and historical way in April next year. After the upgrade and facelift of the historical city, locals and tourists can watch the story of Malacca in a light and sound presentation through projected water screens on board a traditional Malay ship, Bahtera Merdeka. With the use of modern technology, visitors can venture through time to appreciate the transformation and evolution of Malacca in the existing museums.

All smiles: Suffian Afendi, Mohd Nizar and Magri having a light moment after a media briefing on the “Melaka Alive – History In a New Way” project in Kuala Lumpur Friday.

“Bahtera Merdeka will be the first of its kind here and will feature the biggest automated water screen in the region,” said Sarner IXL Sdn Bhd president Mohd Nizar Najib at a media briefing here yesterday on the “Melaka Alive - History In a New Way” project. Upon the completion of the project by 2012, visitors will be able to experience 4D theatre that showcases the rich Malaysian natural history and human planet as well as a time machine ride for visitors.

Sarner IXL chief executive officer Suffian Afendi Ahmad Apandi said Melaka Alive was expected to attract 800,000 to 900,000 visitors in the first year. He said the company planned to spend RM62.6mil to upgrade the existing heritage sites and assets in the historical city in two phases. The project is undertaken by Sarner IXL, a content provider for branding promotions and theme park management. Sarner UK’s managing director Ross Magri and several top management staff were also present at the media briefing yesterday.

-thestar online.