[NEW UPDATE] Business As Usual For Jonker Walk Traders
Controversy sparked when New Chief Minister of Melaka Datuk Idris Haron announced the closure of the 13-year-old tourist attraction, Jonker Street weekend market; he has since clarified that it would be business as usual for the traders and open to traffic.
By Melody Oei — 25 Jun 2013, 03:30 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
Jonker Walk issue misunderstood, business as usual for traders
The access to traffic, however, does not involve closing the existing nightmarket stalls which operate there between 6 pm and midnight from Friday to Sunday, he said, according to a Bernama report. "This matter has been grossly misunderstood."
Prime Minister Najib stepping in
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will discuss the closure of Jonker Street night market with the Malacca state government, he said in Parliament today, 26 June 2013.
thestar.com.my
New Chief Minister of Malacca Idris Haron further clarifies Jonker Walk issue
"There was confusion because my previous statement has been misinterpreted. The previous state executive council meeting has never ordered the businesses along the road at Jonker Walk to be closed down."
malaysiakini.com
“I just ordered the roads previously closed every Saturday and Sunday to be reopened for traffic to avoid congestion in the city of Malacca."
malaysiakini.com
"Some users alleged that it takes four hours to reach Malacca city from Ayer Keroh toll plaza."
malaysiakini.com
Here's what Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz SAYS:
"I was told by Idris that the nightmarket would be closed for only a month to allow feedback on traffic woes in the area."
"I would certainly want to see Jonker Walk remain. What is Malacca without tourism?"
"I'm an Umno man and I have no problems with the Chinese," said Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz today (25 June).
Nazri said he had urged the state leadership not to close Jonker Street from Friday to Sunday, “Malacca is popular for tourism and we must not make decisions that will hurt the industry."
New Chief Minister of Malacca announces closure of Jonker Street
New Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Idris Haron announced the closure of the Jonker Street weekend market, which is an extremely popular 13-year old tourist destination in an area often regarded as the Melaka Chinatown.
The area would be opened to traffic every day instead of being closed on Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings. Traders have been prohibited from conducting any business on the road.
thestar.com.my
Why is Jonker Street being shut down?
According to Kwong Wah Daily, Idris argued that the decision passed by the Malacca executive council on June 12 to close the night market – “follows the intention of the people”.
malaysiasaya.my
"Now, we see most of the Malacca residents fully supporting DAP over MCA candidates, who have been serving them. Hence, we decided to cancel the night market and we hope they will be happy," the daily quotes Idris as saying.
Here's what DAP Publicity Secretary Tony Pua SAYS:
Pua, who is Petaling Jaya Utara MP, described the move as “political vengeance and retaliation” against non-Malays for voting against Barisan Nasional in the recent 13th general election.
fz.com
“Idris is willing to sacrifice the interest of the people of Melaka and her economy just to demonstrate his political pettiness to inflict damage to the Chinese community."
fz.com
Traders protest on Jonker Street
Traders gathered during a walkabout on Jonker Street to protest the state government's decision to shut down the 13-year-old tourist attraction, Jonker Street.
thestar.com.my
Armed with posters and shouting slogans against the closure, the angry hawkers marched a short distance through the street.
malaysiasaya.my
Reactions and responses of Malaysians
"The attraction within the area for past 13 years was seen as a place for selling counterfeits, art and alike, and precisely it was the place to cheat foreigners and visitors. The government’s decision to close it down is commendable."
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