MELAKA: The state is expected to enter Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) by next week, says its caretaker government.

       Melaka caretaker chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said advancing into Phase Four was discussed during a special meeting on Covid-19 management chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob last week.

       "Melaka should have transitioned into Phase Four along with Pahang but unfortunately, the Covid-19 infection rate in the state was still high at the time and we had to defer it," he said on Thursday (Oct 14).

       Sulaiman was confident that Melaka would enter Phase Four of the NRP by next week.

       It moved into Phase Three on Oct 1.

       Meanwhile, Sulaiman said the state government will investigate allegations that Melaka Sultanate artefacts were stolen from Pulau Nangka.

       He said any relics found on the island should never be removed without approval.

       "These thefts have been occurring for a long time," he added.

       Treasures said to be worth millions of ringgit are believed to be buried inside a cave on Pulau Nangka, a tiny island 17km off the mainland.

       Among the items believed to be found in the ancient treasure trove are chests of gold bars, a throne and royal regalia.