General : Melaka Tourist Spots Remain Busy Despite Unhealthy API Readings

MELAKA, October 10 — The popular attractions of Banda Hilir, such as the Stadthuys and Jonker Walk, continue to attract both local and foreign tourists despite Melaka recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings since Thursday due to the haze. Despite the poor air quality, tourists and souvenir shops remain active in the area.

Ahmad Zulkifli, a 66-year-old visitor from Kuala Lumpur, did not let the haze deter her and her friends from visiting popular spots like the Stadthuys after attending a friend's wedding reception in Bukit Katil. "Alhamdulillah, even with the haze, this place is still lively," she said, expressing her intention to visit more attractions if the haze does not reach hazardous levels.

Muhammad Azhan Fikry Munawir, a 28-year-old trishaw peddler, noted that despite the haze, tourism activities in the area remain lively. "People seem less affected by the haze compared to the COVID-19 pandemic," he noted. However, he added that trishaw peddlers have to be more cautious due to longer exposure to the unhealthy air.

Souvenir trader Amalina Zulkifli, 34, reported that despite the haze, the number of tourists remained high. "Alhamdulillah, there are still many visitors around today," she said, attributing the decrease in visitors yesterday to it being a working day with higher API readings. Current API readings in Melaka hover in the unhealthy range, with Alor Gajah and Bandaraya Melaka each recording 164, while Bukit Rambai recorded 163.