Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahari spoke of strengthening the close relations between Melaka and Sabah through direct flights from the Melaka Airport (LTAM) and Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA). Adly mentioned that a decision will be made soon after discussions with Malaysian Airport Holdings Berhad and the cooperation of the Ministry of Transport.

"These are among the initiatives planned by the state in conjunction with the Melaka Visit Year next year, as well as expanding tourism industry in both states," he said.

He also said "With the 17 million visitors to Melaka, we can see that cocoa through chocolate products can be further developed and this is a downstream industry that can help develop the country's cocoa industry.

"The information gathered here will help to speed up the process to make Pulau Besar Duty free Island a success."

"I am confident that the people of both states will benefit from the economic strategy that we are planning."