Malacca: A special passport known as 'The Guardian Of Jonker Walk' has received an encouraging response, with more than 4,000 copies sold since its introduction in June last year in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the iconic tourism destination.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jonker Walk Committee chairman, Datuk Gan Tian Loo, said the passport not only features a map of the area but also includes information and historical details on participating business premises and nearby tourist attractions. He said visitors can collect stamps from each participating premises as souvenirs, in addition to bringing home gifts provided by the business owners involved.

'The Jonker Walk passport is sold at RM5. Currently, 10 industry players are involved in this collaboration, and the number is expected to increase in the second phase of implementation. Initially, the initiative was targeted at tourists from China, as the idea came from my travels there. However, the response from local tourists has also been very encouraging,' he told Bernama.

Gan said the passport also appeals to visitors who enjoy collecting stamps, as each participating premises offers stamps with distinctive designs. For the first phase, 5,000 passports were printed and sold at participating premises, including the Jonker Walk Committee Building, Malaysia-China Friendship Gallery, Jaya Mata Malaysia Knife Gallery, Malaqa Cultural House and Baba House Melaka.

He said printing for the second phase will be carried out soon following the strong response, particularly in conjunction with Visit Malaysia and Visit Melaka 2026. Gan said the initiative helps facilitate tourist movement within the World Heritage Site while adding value to visitors' experience in Melaka, in addition to supporting participating industry players through increased income.

He added that some visitors also purchase the passport as a souvenir for friends and relatives, indirectly promoting Melaka, business premises and attractions along Jonker Walk more widely. 'The 'Guardian of Jonker Walk' initiative has also received support and cooperation from the state government and the private sector, helping to drive tourism growth and the local economy in the area,' he said.