MELAKA, Feb 2 — The Melaka Monorail service has attracted over 17,000 local and foreign passengers since it resumed operations on Dec 4 last year.
Monorail Theme Park and Studios Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Lim Boon Peng, said the company was optimistic of attracting more passengers in line with the launch of various projects in stages to enhance the service.
“These include the construction of a theme park and upgrading of the areas along the monorail’s route which is located on the banks of the Melaka River,” he told Bernama.
Lim said the monorail service, which would be a key tourist attraction, was expected to attract at least two million passengers a year once all upgrading jobs, which cost RM109 million, were completed within four years.
“We plan to spend RM500,000 to build a train concept cafe and bazaar selling souvenirs and handicrafts near the Tun Ali Monorail Station.
“The projects, which are expected to be completed by the end of this month, will enable visitors to experience of being in the train while enjoying local dishes,” he said.
The service runs from 10am to 10pm every day and will be extended to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
The tickets, which can be bought at the first floor of Tun Ali Monorail Station, cost RM15 for adults; RM12 for senior citizens and children aged three and above; and RM10 for students in school uniforms and the handicapped.
The monorail service, which was built at a cost of about RM16.5 million, started operation on Oct 20, 2010. Its service, however, was suspended in 2013 before it was back in operation last year.
The service is capable of carrying 24 passengers on one-way routes and takes about 30 minutes for a three-kilometre journey.
A passenger, Melaka born Nurul Atikah Baharuddin, 22, said she was reluctant to give up the opportunity to try the service.
“I am grateful to the state government for resuming the operations, as they would not only benefit the state economy but also the local community,” said Universiti Teknologi Mara Perlis student.
Farwizah Nazura Mohd Fadzli, 20, from Kota Bharu, Kelantan said she was thrilled to be able to see the scenery and beauty of the city from above the monorail.
“Also, it’s fun to have a ‘photo booth’ facility to take pictures for our family record.
“It is hoped that this route will be further extended to other strategic tourism locations which are an alternative to avoiding traffic congestion,” he said. — Bernama
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