TRADERS at the popular Jonker Walk open-air market in Malacca, hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, cannot wait for things to return to normal.

Jonker Walk management committee deputy chairman Gan Tian Loo told The Malaysian Insight business has dropped tremendously and that only about 10% of traders are open.

But he believes the crowd will return when the government lifts the interstate travel ban today.

“Despite only a few shops having opened for business again, we believe many people will soon flock to Jonker Walk because it is an iconic spot in Malacca and a world heritage site.

“Malaysians can’t travel now. So, once (the borders) reopen, definitely a lot of people will come here,” he said.

He added that the traders expect visitors to pick up but are also aware that the improvement won’t be immediate.

The Malacca government allowed traders at Jonker Walk to open early last month provided they were fully vaccinated.

The Health Ministry anticipates 90% of adults would be vaccinated against Covid-19 by next week.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday said interstate travel would be allowed for fully vaccinated people from today.

Jonker Walk, in the heart of Malacca city, is well known for its heritage sites and buildings as well as for shopping and entertainment.

Gan said there are about 200 traders at Jonker Walk and its surrounding areas.

The Covid crisis and lockdowns had caused almost 60% of the shops to be closed.

“Once interstate travel is allowed, we believe 30-40% traders will resume their business. A number of shops are already open and we hope to see more do the same.”

Jonker Walk night market committee chairman Ong Tee Yang said the night market may reopn in December.

“It is too early now (to open). We have to wait and see. Traders are also still worried about the pandemic, but they also have to earn a living.

“Tourism here has been very badly hit.”

Out of savings

David Ong, who has a shop selling vanilla crepe cake on Jonker Walk, said business had been badly affected by the pandemic.

“We have been suffering losses of more than 90% during the lockdowns and then Jonker Walk was closed indefinitely.

“Even back when interstate travel was allowed, we couldn’t break even. Since this year we have had no income.”

Ong, who is a contractor, has kept his shop open because it was his second business.

“After suffering losses, having to pay rent and salaries with no revenue, I may close shop in the next few months if business doesn’t pick up.”

However, Ong still has hopes that things will be better with interstate travel permitted and those who are fully vaccinated allowed to dine in.

“We are aware of the risks but we also need to survive. We hope that people are fully vaccinated and will follow the SOP.

“Customers also must have a sense of responsibility.”

Over in Alor Gajah, Rositah Abdul Rasid, 48, who sells pastries and handicrafts, said before Covid-19 business was good.

“We used to make up to RM4,000 on weekends but since the pandemic hit we can hardly break even.

“Last year we only opened for a few months because of the lockdowns, but we suffered losses. It was the same this year.”

Rositah said she relied on tourists for business but that the borders were closed.

“We reopened last month and got a few local tourists. But whatever we earn is used to replenish our stock. So there are hardly any profits.

“We have no choice but to open our shop to survive.”

Azhar Abdul Wahab, 50, who owns a food and drink stall next to a mosque in Alor Gajah, said business has yet to pick up.

He said since last year, he has depleted his savings and has had to withdraw his EPF funds to live on.

“Since inter-district travel was allowed we have seen a bit of business. It’s not much, about a 10-15% increase.

“We rely a lot on tourism and we hope to be able to earn a living once interstate travel is allowed. Bu we also urge the people to follow the SOP for the safety of all.” – October 11, 2021.