Melaka Requests Federal Government to Extend LTAM Runway

MELAKA: Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam has requested that the federal government extend the runway of the Melaka International Airport (LTAM) in Batu Berendam here.

He said this is to enable LTAM to receive landings of new generation aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX with full load capacity, like Rotterdam The Hague Airport in the Netherlands.

“The airport, which initially served as a tourism flight hub, has now become a hub for low-cost carriers as well as the business sector, with flights to more than 50 destinations across Europe,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the 2026 Darjah, Bintang and Pingat Kebesaran Melaka Conferment Ceremony at Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh here today.

Elaborating further, Mohd Ali said Melaka recorded more than 15.9 million tourist arrivals in 2025, an increase of 5.9 percent compared to 2024.

He said up to June this year, a total of 7.2 million tourists visited Melaka, reflecting the state’s continued strong appeal at both the domestic and international levels.

“The state government’s initiatives in providing more than 840 creative, innovative and competitive tourism products should be commended.

“Programmes such as Melaka Bila Larut Malam as well as the organisation of the Vehicle-Free Zone in Banda Hilir not only enrich the tourist experience but also contribute to a friendly and vibrant city atmosphere,” he said.

Mohd Ali also congratulated the state government on the implementation of the Melaka Rice and Paddy Seed Project which showed encouraging yield improvements.

He said the success reflects the state government’s commitment in helping padi farmers obtain certified padi seeds at more affordable prices, thus ensuring food supply stability and increasing local white rice production.

“Likewise with the success of the Giant Freshwater Prawn Aquaculture Centre in Sungai Rambai which is capable of producing 900 larvae of freshwater prawn seeds per cycle.

“This initiative is further strengthened with the establishment of the Melaka Aquapreneur Training Centre in Merlimau, which plays a role in producing modern agricultural entrepreneurs through training based on practical skills and current technology,” he said.

BERNAMA