MELAKA: Jonker Walk traders are relieved that they were able to restart operations after months of closure.

       Jonker Walk management committee deputy chairman Datuk Wira Gan Tian Loo said prospects had brightened for traders and hawkers with the state moving into Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) from Saturday.

       “We hope all the traders and hawkers have completed the second dose of the vaccine for us to recommend the night market to reopen,” he said in an interview.

       Gan said souvenir shops could now resume operations while some owners of the pre-war buildings there had received enquiries from potential tenants.

       “Some eateries have started operations although business has yet to pick up,” he said.

       The traditional trades along the heritage street are also expected to reopen gradually.

       “For the initial stage, we expect to attract locals as inter-district travel is now allowed. Once the state borders reopen, we will welcome outstation tourists,” he said.

       Gan said some traders had ceased operations because with zero income, they were no longer able to afford their lease.

       “But the leasing lots at the night market have not surrendered their businesses and are awaiting for the right time to return,” he said.

       Gan expected Jonker Walk to return to its heyday by March next year.

       On Thursday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said the state government would allow traders at Jonker Walk and other night markets to operate provided that they were fully vaccinated.

       He said the operation of night markets and “pasar tani” was still not permitted for now.

       Melaka Hawker and Petty Traders Association chairman Datuk Wong Soo Tang said the transition to the next phase of the NRP was good news for all.

       “Those hawkers and traders who have not signed up for vaccination should not blame the state government if they are denied permission to reopen,” he said.

       State health and anti-drug committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said more sectors would be allowed to reopen.

       He said tourism and the hotel industry would also start operating as inter-district travel was now permitted.