Chinese actress Fan Bingbing’s (范冰冰) visit to Melaka 2024 (TMM2024) was a huge success as locals all over gathered to witness the Chinese beauty as she strolled around the town. However, controversy struck when the amount for the trip was revealed.
The total expenditure for the celebrities’ trip amounted to RM498,347, of which only 16% (RM77,850) was covered by the state as said by State Tourism, Heritage, Art, and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, with the remaining RM420,497 sponsored by a private sector.
This revelation has led to significant public scrutiny, with many questioning the state’s decision to invest such a substantial sum in a celebrity-driven tourism campaign, especially when Melaka, like many regions, is still grappling with the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. Many argued that the state’s willingness to associate itself with such extravagant expenses is problematic, even if most of the funding came from private sponsors.
However, Datuk Abdul Razak stressed that the model’s visit for only 3 days garnered a whopping 1.2 billion searches and 445 million about Melaka alone. The cost breakdown, which includes air tickets, accommodation, transportation, and ground handling services, has only intensified the debate. As the state assembly weighs the merits of appointing Fan Bingbing, questions about Melaka’s tourism strategy and fiscal priorities are being raised.
Twitter users had mixed reactions to the news, with some arguing that the coverage the Chinese star brought to Melaka made the expense worthwhile. However, one user suggested that local artists could be used instead of international celebrities to achieve similar promotional goals.
The state government has promised to deliver a detailed report on the benefits of the actress appointment by year’s end, but public concern remains high. Many are watching closely to see if this high-profile investment will indeed boost tourism or if it will become a cautionary tale for similar future ventures.
As we wait for the state’s promised report on Fan Bingbing’s appointment, locals and observers alike are eager to see whether this high-profile investment will pay off in terms of boosting tourism. Until then, the debate continues, and the town of Melaka remains abuzz with the excitement and controversy surrounding their celebrity guest.
Sources: TheRakyatpost, TheStar
Jade Mary contributed to this article.
