{
  "id": 19082259,
  "title": "Melaka polls: Pantai Tanjung Bidara regains tourist appeal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/melaka-polls-pantai-tanjung-bidara-regains-tourist-appeal",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T03:20:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/11/1573790/melaka-polls-pantai-tanjung-bidara-regains-tourist-appeal"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Melaka's Pantai Tanjung Bidara beach, once considered a dull tourist spot, is now regaining its allure after upgrades which have brought visitors from both Malaysia and abroad. Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh revealed that the beach once held great tourism potential but lost its appeal due to planning issues, with fewer tourists choosing it over other destinations like Pantai Padang Kemunting. Recognising its potential, Ab Rauf decided to transform Tanjung Bidara and has since turned it into a popular holiday destination.\n\nAb Rauf, who is contesting for his Tanjung Bidara seat in the upcoming state election, noted that the improvements have helped turn the beach into a sought-after holiday spot. He cited the Tanjung Bidara Beach Resort as an example, stating that it is now receiving accommodation bookings, which were previously scarce. Ab Rauf believes that the beach's coastal stretch from Tanjung Bidara to Kuala Linggi also holds significant tourism development potential, with existing accommodation facilities such as chalets and homestays contributing to this potential.\n\nPreserving the natural beauty of the area is crucial, according to Ab Rauf, to ensure that tourism continues to benefit the local community economically and socially.",
  "summary": "MASJID TANAH: Pantai Tanjung Bidara, which had lost its appeal as a tourist destination, has regained popularity following a series of upgrading works, attracting visitors from within Malaysia and abroad.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}