Melaka's Jalan Hang Tuah Ramadan bazaar continues to struggle in attracting crowds

MELAKA: Melaka's pioneer mega Ramadan bazaar in Jalan Hang Tuah goes "empty" for the second time, with almost no takers this year.

The tents put up by the bazaar organiser have now been turned into shades for those parking their cars along the street.

Melaka Historical City Council (MBMB) mayor Datuk Zainal Abu said the council has cautioned the organiser to anticipate a lukewarm response based on the 2019 experience.

"We have told them (the organiser) that there are already many bazaars in nearby areas that will cause Jalan Hang Tuah to lose its lustre," he said when interviewed on Thursday (April 15).

Zainal noted that the proximity of similar bazaars has driven away traders from renting the stalls along Jalan Hang Tuah.

"The organiser should probably look into other ways to attract the traders and enliven the area.

"Newly-approved bazaars have somewhat caused the one in Jalan Hang Tuah to be less attractive," he added.

A check showed that the organiser was working hard to relive Jalan Hang Tuah's golden years as the largest bazaar.

A stage has also been put up to lure more visitors to the bazaar.

The mega Ramadan bazaar in Jalan Hang Tuah, which made its debut in 2013, was a carnival-like event attracting close to 10,000 people at its peak.

In 2019, many traders began gradually closing down their stalls halfway through the Ramadan month due to the tepid response from the locals.

Last year, Ramadan bazaars were not permitted to operate in the state due to the movement control order put in place to stem the spread of Covid-19.