Melaka (Malacca) is one of the most important tourist destinations in Malaysia (for both local and foreign visitors). It’s also one of the most important historical places in the country, with significant historical links to the Portuguese, Dutch and British. A big portion of the local economy depends on the tourism industry, and hence over the last few years, hundreds of hotels and food shops and stalls mushroomed across the main tourism area. Until the current Covid-19 pandemic literally pulled the handbrakes on the local industry.
After almost 8 months, I came back here for a quick walk through to see how the main tourism market street known as Jonker Street or Jonker Walk (https://g.page/jonker-street-night-market?share ), is doing (they just re-opened like 2 months ago). To see how I can help give more publicity to local tourists to help all these struggling small local businesses start to get back on their feet again.
[Picture below] Me at the Jonker entrance on the 4th of Oct 2020 Sunday evening. All with dressed up with face mask and wiping tissues and sanitizer in the pocket. It had been 8 months since I last visited here. And I am keen to see how things are doing here.
[OLD Photo below] - This photo was taken early in January this year, again on a very typical Sunday night. And this is a normal crowd for weekend evenings where tourists and visitors and locals throng the place to just spend time. And the picture below doesn’t show actually how crowded it actually is. At some point around the street, one can hardly walk with so many people.
[Photo below] - And now, in October 2020, all entrances are barricaded off with registration codes and temperature tests, to give a first line of defense against the spread of Covid-19.
[Photo below] - As I walked into the mouth of the street, first thing I notice is there are a lot of empty spaces, ie stalls that have closed or decided not to open. And vendors are all wearing face masks. And sort of a lethargic feel of very little business.
[Photo below] - Walking further in, more empty spaces. And fairly empty street. At this time 8 months ago, this specific spot would have been packed with people.
[Photo below] - The main concert stage, now empty and unused. Felt rather lonely.
[Photo below] - I am walking through the main street area, at least many stalls are here, and although lack of customers, this is a good start. To start bringing people back, the stalls must be opened.
[Photo below] - A better view, lots of stalls, although still lack of customers.
[Photo below] - Adjoining streets, pretty empty. I think that the idea was to focus on concentrating business on the main street first.
[Photo below] - Coming to what used to be the busiest part of Jonker walk. Frankly, very empty. Stalls are here, but, need more people to visit. During the old normal time, this place would be hard to walk through.
[Photo below] - Another view of the main area which used to be the busiest part of the street.
[Photo below] - I continued walking and taking photos. Sad feeling of needing more visitors to help the street vendors out.
[Photo below] - Throughout the street, the same theme.
I felt like the local business association is doing the right thing. Opening up, and concentrating the business along the main street, so at least a control area appears lively. And taking all precautions with registration and temperature checks.
I hope that locals and local tourists can do more to support all these small local businesses better.
I will come back next month or 2 to have a look again. And throughout the night, I did buy what I need in hope of supporting them here.
Have you been to any of your local tourist attractions and see how you also could support your local small businesses there? Share with us under the “Local Stories” topic.
Let’s keep supporting all of them, the local businesses.
*All photos self taken