Unhealthy air and haze fail to deter visitors at Melaka tourist spots

MELAKA: Tourist attractions in the Banda Hilir region of Melaka have seen a steady stream of visitors despite hazardous air and haze conditions, according to recent reports. The smoke pollution, a result of transboundary haze, has led to unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings since Thursday. Despite the poor air quality, popular spots such as the Stadthuys and Jonker Walk remained bustling with activity, and souvenir and handicraft shops continued to operate as usual.

However, few tourists and traders were seen wearing protective masks against the unhealthy air quality.

Asmah Zulkifli, a 66-year-old former civil servant from Kuala Lumpur, revealed that the haze did not deter her and her friends from visiting the tourist attractions. She mentioned that if not for a friend's wedding reception in Bukit Katil, they would not have come to Melaka. Asmah stated that they planned to visit additional attractions if the haze did not reach hazardous levels.

Trishaw peddler Azhan Fikry Munawir, 28, noted that tourism activities in the area remained lively, with both local and foreign tour groups continuing to visit. He explained that while the impact of the haze may not seem as severe as Covid-19 to the public, trishaw peddlers had to exercise extra caution due to their prolonged exposure to the health effects.

Souvenir trader Amalina Zulkifli, 34, also confirmed that the haze had not dissuaded tourists from visiting Melaka, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside George Town. She observed that although there were slightly fewer visitors on a working day the previous day, the situation had improved by the time she spoke. The API readings in Melaka were 164 in Alor Gajah and Bandaraya Melaka, and 163 in Bukit Rambai, all of which were categorized as unhealthy.