Melaka not ready for vehicle-free zone, says business group

 

Business leaders say the closure of certain roads in Melaka city centre has caused problems for visitors. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: A business group in Melaka has voiced its grouses about Melaka’s vehicle-free-zone trial, stating that it led to a drop in business during the year-end holidays.

Jalan Istana, Jalan Mahkamah, Jalan Gereja, Lorong Gereja, Jalan Laksamana, as well as parts of Jalan Tun Khalil Yaakob and Jalan Merdeka, have been closed to vehicles from 6pm on Friday to 12am on Monday since Dec 22. The trial is still ongoing.

Initially, the vehicle-free zone, which was introduced last August, was limited to only a six-hour period starting from 6pm on Saturdays.

Piong Yew Peng, secretary-general of the Malacca Chinese chambers of commerce and industry, told FMT that business owners and residents in the area complained about the congestion in the area during a recent dialogue session.

Piong said that this congestion, which resulted from the rerouting and blocking of roads, hindered people from entering the city during the trial.

“Businesses were expecting a boost since it was the holiday season (at the end of the year),” he said. “However, that was not the case due to the congestion and confusion caused by the road blocking and rerouting.”

He said a business owner who participated in the dialogue revealed that his company experienced a 50% decrease in business during the period.

The president of Melaka’s Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia, Farosham Naizamohideen, said the success of the initiative relies on parking being available outside the vehicle-free zone, with shuttle services through the city.

He said that apart from providing better alternative routes, the council should ensure that there is adequate parking nearby.

“This should be complemented with shuttle services or designated pick-up or drop-off points to reduce inconvenience for tourists and entrepreneurs when they visit the city,” he said, adding that this would contribute to a more systematic flow of traffic in and out of the city.

Farosham added that the city council should improve communication with tourism agencies, business associations, and residents for better coordination of the initiative.

“This will enable tourists and businesses to plan and adjust their travel and business operations accordingly.”

Both Farosham and Piong also called for the city council to evaluate the efficiency of the vehicle-free zone over time through dialogues with stakeholders.

On Dec 27, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong called for the Melaka state government to suspend the implementation and review it after the Chinese New Year celebration. - FMT