Shahrukh Khan to bear cost of travelling Malaysia

Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan, who will receive his Datukship on Nov 29, will bear all expenses during his one-night stay here.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the state government would not spend a single sen to bring the actor here.

"He is paying for his ticket but of course as our guest we will provide him with accommodation. It's only polite that we do that," he said at his Hari Raya open house at Rumah Melaka in Jalan Bellamy yesterday.

Ali said the actor will spend a night in Malacca after the installation ceremony, which will be carried live on India's most popular television channel Zee TV.

"The ceremony will begin at 10am at the Dewan Sri Negeri and his fans can also come and see him there if they want to."
Later the actor will be taken around the state to visit places like the Malacca river, Taming Sari and the Eye on Malaysia.

On criticisms the Malacca government has received since announcing that Khan would be conferred the award, Ali said: "Believe it or not, all those criticisms have been good for us as it has actually given us a boost in terms of popularity and many people know us more now."

He also said the actor's agent had informed the state government that Khan was keen to film more movies in Malacca.

"He will do more films here and promote Malacca as the new hub for Bollywood films.

"I believe the scenic views here have much to offer the Bollywood film industry and the best thing is that we don't have to pay a single sen for it as others are popularising Malacca for us without any cost."