MELAKA, June 28- The Jonker Walk (Jalan Hang Jebat) night market will operate as usual and be open to traffic today, said state Housing, Local Government and Environment executive councilor (exco) Datuk Ismail Othman.
He said the decision was aimed at easing weekend traffic congestion along several roads such as Jalan Bunga Raya and Jalan Kampung Hulu up to Banda Hilir following numerous complaints from locals and tourists.
The access to traffic however does not involve closing the existing night market stalls which operate there between 6 pm and midnight from Friday to Sunday, he emphasised.
“This matter has been grossly misunderstood. Closing the night market and allowing access to traffic are two different matters. The stalls are still allowed to operate as usual,” he told a press conference here today.
Also present was Deputy Tourism exco Datuk Ghazale Muhamad.
Commenting further, he denied allegations that the access to traffic was being implemented to hamper the estimated 300 Chinese traders who have been operating there for the past 13 years, saying they were still allowed to set up stalls on the road shoulders and pavements.
He said the Melaka Historical City Council, police and Rela would be stationed in the area to direct the traffic.
On Monday, a local daily had quoted Idris as saying a June 12 exco meeting had decided to close the night market following the public’s demand.
– BERNAMA
