Once a thriving tourism hub with seafood restaurants overlooking the coastline and visitors enjoying the seaside breeze along the promenade, Tanjung Harapan in Port Klang, Selangor, is now drab and neglected.
In its heyday some 20 years ago, gazebos and raised pavilions built along a wide walkway saw people selling knick-knacks, craft items and traditional dried seafood.
Most of the raised pavilions have since fallen into disrepair, with the promenade missing parts of its metal railing.
Today, the seafood restaurants still operate in the evening but they are no longer bustling.
Business is slow and locals appear to be their main customers now.
Melissa Hashim, 35, who works at a logistics firm, said Tanjung Harapan used to hold water sports events and they would attract domestic tourists to the 2.5km seaside stretch on the weekends.
“I think Klang Municipal Council (MPK) organised the water festival.
“It was a popular event with people enjoying the music and lively atmosphere.
“Families would spend time together and take in the sights and sounds,” she said.
Angler Shamsul Hatta, 40, said the shoreline used to see hundreds of anglers on weekends, thanks to the ample parking spots at Lingkaran Sultan Hishamuddin below the promenade.
“As the promenade is now in a neglected state, most anglers have shied away.
“Benches are missing and rubbish bins are nowhere to be found.
“There is a lot of litter strewn around and empty soft drink cans as well as alcohol bottles have been left on the walkway by irresponsible people,” he elaborated.
Shamsul still frequents Tanjung Harapan as he gets a good catch of senangin fish.
However, he is one of an estimated 50 anglers who come by on a weekday, with a few more making the trip on the weekends.
“Anglers see great potential in this coastline.
“MPK must refurbish this tourism spot.
“Walkways must be rebuilt, benches replaced and gazebos and pavilions repaired so visitors can use them as rest points to take in the view once again,” he said.
Kajang resident Zaidan Hashim, 30, who drove to Tanjung Harapan for recreational fishing, said he enjoyed watching the maritime cranes at the wharfs of Northport’s operation area, while he waited for fish to take the bait.
“It is a beautiful spot to spend time with family.
“I used to see makeshift tree swings with seats made of wooden planks and old tyres but these things are no longer there.
“I love this coastal stretch as it offers a nice change of pace from the chaos of day-to-day activity,” he said.
Melissa added that even though people were not allowed to get into the water as the coastline consisted largely of rocks, many enjoyed the strong breeze and view of ships going past.
Halim Othman, 38, who lives in Kampung Delek, Klang said the biggest blot on the landscape was the damaged life-sized replica of a Bugis schooner near the paved walkway.
The replica, which was built in 2002 using RM2.5mil allocation from Selangor government, was partially destroyed in a fire.
About 30% of the ship went up in flames on June 26, 2013 and lack of maintenance over the years has left the structure in a dilapidated condition.
“Drug addicts are frequently spotted in the burnt-out hull, which is filled with rubbish.
“On the deck, wild plants are growing and the wood is rotting away. It is such a waste,” he lamented.
Halim said people wanted the area to be spruced up so that it could be enjoyed safely by visitors both near and far again.
“We know it is difficult in this environment, with the wind and sea, but other seaside towns in Penang and Melaka have beautiful promenade areas near the seafront.
“So, it is time MPK made the effort to give Tanjung Harapan a facelift,” he stressed.
Klang Consumer Association president Devadass Anjan said the Tanjung Harapan waterfront was a neglected public asset that had big tourism potential.
It must not be allowed to languish in neglect, he added.
Yesterday, MPK president Noraini Roslan told StarMetro that the council had plans to transform Tanjung Harapan.
“Our council’s Engineering and Planning Departments will assess the upgrades that are needed.
“We will have to come up with a substantial budget to refurbish the 2.5km seafront walkway.
“Both departments will work on the plan and it will be tabled next month,” she said.
She added that MPK would decide whether to repair or rebuild the damaged Bugis schooner.
“Based on initial discussions, improvements will include new surfacing, railings, better lighting, gazebo shelters and seating as well as upgraded steps to access the promenade, new public toilets and covered carparks.
“We plan to colour coordinate the stalls selling knick-knacks and handicrafts too,” she said.
Noraini added that the refurbishment of Tanjung Harapan was viewed as a tourism investment.
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