MELAKA: Dataran 1Malaysia in Klebang here and its surrounding areas will be developed and rebranded as 'Klebang Walk' by November this year before Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM 2024).
Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) major, Datuk Shadan Othman, said the area would be made as a focal point for tourism and leisure for visitors from in and outside Melaka.
He said the redevelopment works will involve the restructuring of traders' sites in the area, particularly food truck operators, besides improving the lighting and road system.
"The area around Dataran 1Malaysia is not only the focus of visitors but also 'food truck' operators as well as food and drink stalls.
"However, we at MBMB level are disappointed and sad about is the lackadaisical attitude of traders and hawkers who do not maintain cleanliness and leave business equipment such as chairs and tables and even their food trucks," he said.
He said this when met by the media after a tour around Dataran 1Malaysia which was also attended by Klebang assemblyman Datuk Lim Ban Hong.
Shadan said the actions of traders and hawkers not only spoil the scenery around Klebang Beach but if left unchecked will cause the location to lose its allure in the future.
He said stricter new conditions will be imposed on traders and hawkers in the area after it has been upgraded to ensure cleanliness, beauty and public safety.
"We will set up a Klebang Walk committee to appoint an organiser who will manage traders in the area," he said.
Meanwhile, Lim said Klebang Walk is expected to become a focal point for tourists with various new attractions and facilities that will enhance its beauty especially in the run-up to TMM2024.
"We will monitor the progress of the redevelopment of this area so that it can be realised as planned," he said. – Bernama