Idris said this was possible due to investments injected from Guandong province in China into the state.
He said Malacca had been working towards ensuring a RM20 billion investment from China in the next five years, while also courting investors from Italy and other European countries to invest in tourism and industries in the state.
“I will put my heart and soul into making Malacca a modern city in a few years’ time,” he said in an interview with The Star Online recently.
Idris cited the state’s geographical location, unique kaleidoscope of cultures and effective infrastructure as attractive attributes for Chinese investors to consider.
He also said Malacca was nestled among other major cities along the southern development corridor and that the state had the potential to be an international seaport on par with Singapore by 2025 with Guandong’s fiscal commitment.
Idris added that Guandong was also looking at opening another airport as a catalyst for the joint development of tourism and industrial development in Malacca, and urged Malaccans to become big thinkers in line with the state’s vision and aspirations.
Last week, Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said he was working to turn Johor Bahru into Malaysia’s second largest city.