Tourist hotspots, street markets, and shopping centres are usually lively and crowded, drawing both locals and visitors. However, not all businesses are fortunate enough to thrive, even in prime locations. A few years ago, local entrepreneurs voiced concerns about a struggling shopping centre that failed to attract customers, resulting in poor sales. Even well-known influencer Ceddy Ang had to close his physical store due to low foot traffic.
Now, a similar issue has hit the Melaka Floating Market, a once-promising attraction designed to draw in tourists. What was meant to be a bustling marketplace has turned into a ghost town, with vendors struggling to sustain their businesses. A viral TikTok video recently shed light on the situation, showing the market nearly empty, with only a handful of stalls open for business. The footage has since sparked debates over who is to blame—fellow vendors, management, or external factors.
Viral Video Highlights Empty Stalls and Frustrated Vendors
@karinaknag floating market boat 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻kesian peniaga yg hari2 buka macam saya. dh bersuara dalam group minta peniaga bagi kerjasama buka tapi kene marah. taknak niaga xyhlah ambik harga pakej yg murah. management kene buat sesuatu kalau x tempat ni xkan bertahan lama. #peniagayangdisakiti #floatingmarket #melaka #melakafoodie #fyp #fypage #fypシ゚ #makananviral #rasacrofflemelaka #croffle #melakahawau ♬ Scott Street (Slowed Down) - Phoebe Bridgers
Earlier this week, a vendor took to TikTok to express her frustration, sharing footage of the deserted market. In her video, she lamented that there were hardly any customers, and to make matters worse, only a few stalls had opened that evening.
"Where is everyone? How are customers supposed to come here if there’s nothing to buy? Only a few stalls are open, including mine," she said while panning her camera across the nearly empty market.
She went on to highlight another major issue—the lack of commitment from fellow stall owners. She shared a WhatsApp conversation with a potential customer who had visited the market only to leave disappointed due to the limited number of open stalls. The customer’s message implied that they were expecting a vibrant market but were instead met with a dull and lifeless environment.
Frustrated, the vendor blamed other business owners for their unwillingness to open their stalls, arguing that their absence contributed to the lack of foot traffic. She also criticised the market’s management for failing to take action against these inactive vendors.
"The management should blacklist these selfish vendors and give the opportunity to others who are actually willing to run a business here. Also, they need to make rental fees more affordable. I’d leave if I could, but I’ve already paid my deposit," she wrote in the post.
Management Responds: Blames Bridge Construction for Drop in Visitors
After the TikTok video gained over 315,000 views, the Melaka Floating Market’s official TikTok account stepped forward to provide an explanation. According to their response, the temporary closure of the market’s main entrance due to a pedestrian bridge construction project has significantly impacted visitor numbers.
"We apologise for the inconvenience and encourage everyone to visit us once the bridge is completed," they stated.
However, many netizens were unconvinced. While acknowledging that accessibility issues may have played a role, several users pointed out that the market’s location by the river also posed another problem—a strong, unpleasant stench coming from the water.
Critics also questioned why the market remained open if accessibility was so restricted, arguing that potential visitors would naturally avoid an area that was difficult to reach. Others agreed with the vendor’s initial complaint that the lack of open stalls made the market less appealing, as visitors had fewer shopping options.
Here’s some of the comments from netizens:
PPSPM Clarifies the Situation and Offers Solutions
Following the viral controversy, Melaka River and Coastal Development Corporation (PPSPM) CEO Shaharul Azuar Idris addressed the concerns and dismissed claims of management negligence. He clarified that the bridge construction, managed by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), was the primary reason behind the market’s declining foot traffic—but not to the extent claimed in the viral video.
"The construction has only caused a 20% decrease in visitors. We take this issue seriously and have had discussions to find the best possible solutions. All traders were informed in advance about the temporary closure of the main access route due to the construction," he said.
To support struggling vendors, the event organisers have introduced a 50% rental discount from January until the bridge is completed.
Additionally, PPSPM has worked with DID to create a temporary access route to improve visitor flow, which is expected to be ready by 7 February. The goal is to ensure that the market remains operational without causing major financial losses to vendors.
Plans for a Better Future
Shaharul Azuar also revealed that both the Melaka Floating Market and the Windmill Pink Market are temporary attractions, with plans to relocate them to a more strategic and visitor-friendly location in the future.
Since its launch along the Melaka River in June 2023, the floating market has recorded 433,215 visitors. Despite the current challenges, the authorities remain optimistic about its potential as a long-term attraction.
Debates Continue Over the Market’s Viability
Even though PPSPM has provided explanations and reassurances, the public remains divided on the real cause of the market’s decline.
While some believe that accessibility issues are temporary and will be resolved soon, others argue that deeper issues—such as vendor inactivity, poor management, and environmental factors—could still deter customers even after the bridge is completed.
The viral issue has even caught the attention of a local radio station, which discussed the challenges faced by traders and the uncertain future of the floating market.
For now, all eyes are on the upcoming pedestrian bridge completion, with hopes that it will breathe new life into the market and bring back much-needed customers. Whether this will be enough to restore the market’s vibrancy remains to be seen.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
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