MPHTJ PLANS TO REVITALISE FORESTAY AT MELAKA BOTANICAL PARK

MELAKA, March 7 (Bernama) -- The Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) plans to rebrand and revitalise the Forestay area within the Melaka Botanical Garden in Ayer Keroh as a nature-based accommodation destination.

Council president Datuk Sapiah Haron said the proposal follows a recent visit by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to the botanical park, where numerous fallen trees and several facilities needing upgrades were observed.

"Following the visit, the Forestry Department was tasked with clearing the fallen trees, retaining those suitable for preservation while removing uprooted ones to ensure safety and maintain aesthetics.

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"We see redevelopment potential, particularly for Forestay, where many facilities are now in disrepair," she told reporters here today.

Earlier, she presented contributions to 170 recipients at the MPHTJ Sentuhan Kasih Prihatin 2026 programme in Ayer Keroh.

Elaborating further, Sapiah said the development is expected to be carried out soon to breathe new life into the area as a nature-based recreation and tourism destination. 

She noted that the 4.86-hectare (12-acre) site currently features about 30 chalets, and new concepts, including glamping, have been proposed to offer visitors a unique experience within an urban forest setting.

She assured the redevelopment will not encroach on the existing forest area, as the upgrade is confined to previously developed land, preserving the park's core recreational function.

"The location is highly appealing. The main gateway in Ayer Keroh leads visitors directly to the area to experience an overnight stay in the Botanical Gardens," she said.

-- BERNAMA