JALAN BUNGA RAYA, KEE ANN and KAMPUNG JAWA TO BE UPGRADED

Friday March 2, 2012

Jalan Bunga Raya will be upgraded as a tourist attraction
By LEO ARROKKIASAMMY
malacca@thestar.com.my




MALACCA: The Bunga Raya commercial street here is set to experience a revival.

In its glorious days back in 70s, the area was a shopping haven for the local and tourists alike.

Before the emergence of departmental stores and supermarkets in the historic city, Bunga Raya was a popular commercial hub for the locals until the late 80s.


Street shopping: Jalan Bunga Raya in Malacca is a popular place to buy household goods and clothes.
With an aim to revive the area, the Malacca MCA had launched the ‘Bunga Raya Rehabilitation Project’ by establishing a special working committee to oversee the project.

The committee is headed by MCA’s city councillor, Ronald Gan Yong Hoe with State Education, Youth and Sports committee chairman Datuk Gan Tian Loo as its advisor.

Ronald said that the residents and business community along the street are giving their full support and cooperation to realise the vision of turning Bunga Raya as a shopping haven.

“We have briefed the history of Bunga Raya to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during his recent visit.

“He had instructed the Malacca government to provide assistance to the committee and we will prepare a written report on our plans and submit it to the government officials as soon as possible,” he said.


Selling drinks: Wong Wee Jong making the cendol by the road side.
Ronald added that the committee would work hard to make Bunga Raya a popular tourist attraction.

The area includes its main road, Jalan Pasar Baru, Jalan Kee Ann, Jalan Jawa and Kg. Jawa. There are some 400 shops along the road with 30 unique outlets offering various services.

“The committee’s initial step is to give recognition to pre-war buildings along the street by putting up a sign board indicating their locations,” said Ronald.