Places being renamed or rebranded isn’t uncommon, but it’s still an iffy matter, especially for locals. Recently, there were talks about Jalan Hang Tuah being rebranded to Jonker Walk 2.0 to help boost the local economy.
According to reports, the proposal came from DAP’s Kota Laksamana assemblyman Low Chee Leong, who suggested the iconic Jalan Hang Tuah be rebranded to boost tourism. He suggested the street be turned into Jonker Walk 2.0, citing the success of the popular Malacca night market. He added that the street getting rebranded could boost the local economy and attract more visitors, given its bigger space compared to Jonker Walk.
Understandably, the suggestion wasn’t so well-received by other local politicians. Melaka opposition leader and Dr Yadzil Yaakub slammed the proposal, arguing that Jalan Hang Tuah is a symbol of Malacca’s history that should be preserved and not rebranded. The Bersatu Supreme Council member added that the suggestion to rebrand is disregarding the street’s historical value and the local businesses in the area.
Senior Member of the Malacca State Executive Council, Rais Yasin, has also shared his response to the suggestion, saying the state has no plans to rebrand Jalan Hang Tuah. He added that any suggestions to boost the local economy require proper research before it can be implemented so as to not affect businesses. However, Rais acknowledged the need to improve the existing Jonker Walk night market.
As the rebranding is merely a suggestion, there’s no need to worry about Jalan Hang Tuah undergoing any changes to mimic Jonker Walk – but what are your thoughts on this? Do you think a rebrand is needed to boost the economy? Or is Jalan Hang Tuah good as is?
