Jalan Hang Tuah To Adopt Jonker Walk Concept, No Road Closure Planned

MELAKA, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- The proposal to develop Jalan Hang Tuah here into a new business district will adopt the Jonker Walk concept without changing the road’s name or closing it, said Kota Laksamana assemblyman Low Chee Leong.

He said the proposal was made to transform the area into a new tourist destination, boosting local economic and social activities.

He noted the success of Jonker Walk as a tourist and economic hub for small businesses of various communities over the past 25 years has the potential to be replicated in Jalan Hang Tuah.

“Right now, Jalan Hang Tuah is only ‘alive’ during the day, but at night, the area becomes quiet as many business premises are closed.

“Therefore, one way to revitalise Jalan Hang Tuah is through business activities like Jonker Walk by adopting the night market concept, not renaming or closing the road,” he told a press conference, here today.

Low explained that the proposal involves setting up new business spots at night, only along the pedestrian walkway of the street, not in the middle of the road, which means Jalan Hang Tuah will remain open to traffic.

He also pointed out that the business opportunities would be open to all communities interested in participating and not restricted to any specific ethnic group, as claimed by some quarters.

Elaborating further, Low, who is also state  Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee deputy chairman, said the proposal would be discussed in detail with the Kampung Morten Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) before being brought to the state government for final approval.

He said associations, NGOs, or any interested parties are invited to submit their respective proposals to develop the area.

At the same time, he also urged all parties, particularly the opposition, to refrain from turning the proposal into a political agenda and creating baseless racial tension.

Previously, the media reported Low’s proposal to develop Jalan Hang Tuah as “Jonker Walk 2.0”, as it has the potential to boost business and the local economy, given that its pedestrian walkways are wider than at Jonker Walk.

However, the proposal that has yet to be finalised for implementation has turned into a racial issue and received negative reactions, especially from the opposition.

-- BERNAMA