Melaka: The Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM) is offering 'win-win' incentives, including rental exemptions and reductions, to attract entrepreneurs interested in restoring and operating seven vacant heritage waqf premises at Jonker Walk, a popular tourist area. The strategic move involves a collaborative restoration approach with tenants, as the heritage-listed buildings require restoration and conservation works that must comply with strict local authority (PBT) requirements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MAIM secretary Shaifulfazlee Mohamad stated that of the 32 waqf premises at the iconic tourism location, 25 had been successfully rented out while the remaining seven were ready to be revived. As an initial step, five of the seven badly damaged premises along Jalan Hang Kasturi and Jalan Kuli had been cleared since mid-last month at a cost of RM42,000, covering tree-cutting, pesticide control, and site cleaning works.
Shaifulfazlee explained that for dilapidated and risky premises, safety barriers have been installed to ensure visitor safety, and damaged structures have been marked to assist potential tenants in planning repair works. On the restoration privatisation approach, he mentioned that MAIM was prepared to offer flexible rental arrangements to help tenants manage their initial investment costs.
Among the planned incentives are rental exemptions of three to six months, rental discounts for up to three years during the return-on-investment (ROI) period, as well as more reasonable long-term rental contracts. The base rental rates for the seven premises were assessed according to the standards of the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH), with competitive rates ranging from RM700 to RM2,600 per month.
To date, MAIM has received three business proposals from interested parties and is reviewing their financial capability and business sustainability before granting approval. Shaifulfazlee emphasized that there are no restrictions on using the premises as galleries, offices, retail spaces, or concept-based accommodation, as long as the businesses comply with syariah requirements. Interested entrepreneurs may contact the MAIM Property Development Division (Rental Unit).
Shaifulfazlee added that rental collections from the 25 occupied premises were fully channelled towards supporting the ecosystem and management of Masjid Kampung Hulu and Masjid Kampung Kling, including staff remuneration, religious programmes, and building maintenance. He noted that these assets are permanent waqf properties that cannot be sold. With the arrival of new tenants, funds are generated for mosque-related welfare activities, while also preserving Melaka's heritage architecture and boosting tourism at Jonker Walk.