Military officers apprehended for suspected involvement in a RM5 million contraband network in southern Malaysia
Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, is set to witness a significant transformation in its tourism and conservation landscape, with the implementation of 18 key projects funded by the Restoration, Conservation, Renovation and Upgrading Programme (PPUN). The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has allocated a total of RM10.14 million for these projects in 2025, aiming to preserve the state's rich heritage and enhance its tourism appeal.
One of the most notable projects is the RM1.2 million conservation and relocation of Masjid Lama Parit Istana to Masjid Tanjung Beringin. This initiative focuses on preserving Islamic heritage and traditional Malay architecture, a testament to the state's cultural identity. Masjid Tanjung Beringin will also undergo an RM800,000 upgrade to enhance its facilities and transform it into an inclusive heritage and worship center.
The Port Dickson Clock Tower will receive improvements in its lighting and landscaping, while maintenance and upgrades are planned for landmarks at the Sunggala Roundabout, Lukut-Sepang junction, and the Port Dickson gateway. These projects aim to revitalize Negeri Sembilan's tourism destinations and support the "Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026" campaign.
Ecotourism development is also on the agenda, with plans to promote nature conservation and tourism at Gunung Datuk Eco Forest Park, Kenaboi State Park, and Ulu Bendul Eco Forest Park. The upgrade of Pulau Burung jetty and the watchtower (phase two) will boost maritime tourism and biodiversity conservation, creating opportunities for the maritime tourism sector.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun stated that this allocation reflects the federal government's commitment to preserving, elevating, and developing Negeri Sembilan's heritage, tourism, and cultural identity. The projects are part of efforts to position Negeri Sembilan as an emerging tourism destination in Malaysia, with the state currently ranking sixth among 13 states and three Federal Territories.
In 2024, Negeri Sembilan recorded a significant rise in international tourist arrivals, with 0.46 million visitors compared to 0.34 million in 2023, an increase of 35.1 per cent. These PPUN projects are expected to further boost these numbers, contributing to the state's continued growth as a popular tourist destination.
- The government of Malaysia is committed to preserving and developing Negeri Sembilan's heritage and cultural identity, as demonstrated by the allocation of funds for 18 key projects in 2025.
- The upgrading of Masjid Tanjung Beringin, including its transformation into an inclusive heritage and worship center, is one of the initiatives aimed at preserving Islamic heritage and traditional Malay architecture in Negeri Sembilan.
- Furthermore, the planned ecotourism development at parks like Gunung Datuk Eco Forest Park, Kenaboi State Park, and Ulu Bendul Eco Forest Park, along with maritime tourism boosters like the upgrade of Pulau Burung jetty and watchtower, will further diversify tourism offerings in Negeri Sembilan.
- The implementation of these projects is expected to not only increase domestic tourism but also attract more international visitors, contributing to the continued growth of Negeri Sembilan as a popular tourist destination, as illustrated by the 35.1% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2024 compared to the previous year.
