MELAKA: Parts of Melaka's historic city car-free zone may need adjustments to address concerns over its impact on businesses and livelihoods, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said the party's Bandar Hilir candidate Jasmine Lok was prepared to engage the state government on possible improvements, adding that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh had indicated his willingness to hear from affected parties.
Dr Wee said some affected parties, particularly traders, had reported a drop in income following the implementation of the car-free zone.
"The important thing is to find a solution. There must be a practical way to address the issue so that the people get what they want while the authorities can also carry out their plans," he told reporters after visiting the Bandar Hilir Barisan Nasional operation room here on Sunday (Nov 8).
The car-free zone was introduced as a trial in August 2023, involving the closure of several roads around Bandar Hilir, including Jalan Istana, Jalan Mahkamah, Jalan Gereja, Lorong Gereja and Jalan Laksamana, as well as parts of Jalan Tun Khalil Yaakob and Jalan Merdeka.
The closure was subsequently extended to 54 hours, from 6pm on Fridays until midnight on Sundays.
The initiative has drawn mixed reactions, with some traders previously complaining that the road closures and limited accessibility had affected their businesses, while others said the pedestrian-friendly environment had helped attract visitors and boost trade.
Dr Wee said any changes should strike a balance between the authorities' objectives and the interests of affected communities.
He stressed that elected representatives had a responsibility to convey the people's concerns to the authorities and ensure their views were considered when decisions were made.
He also criticised the previous incumbent for supporting the car-free zone without adequately considering the situation on the ground.
On MCA's prospects in the state election, Dr Wee said the party hoped to retain its two incumbent-held seats with increased majorities.
He described the contests as an endorsement of the state leadership and a referendum on the performance of the federal government, particularly the Pakatan Harapan-led administration.
