MUAR: Once a thriving hub of local commerce and a source of pride for the community, Dataran Sarang Buaya in Semerah, here, has now become a ghost town.
Vendors who once prospered in this bustling square have been forced to close shop due to declining foot traffic and mounting losses.
When the square opened five years ago, it was a beacon of hope for the traders.
The newly constructed facilities attracted crowds eager to dine and shop. However, this initial success was short-lived.
As the years passed, more vendors had no choice but to leave, unable to sustain their businesses due to a significant drop in visitors.
What was once a promising project designed to draw in customers has become a desolate area, on the brink of being labelled a 'white elephant project'.
The new facility, built to replace a simpler marketplace where vendors operated under umbrellas, failed to live up to expectations.
Hafiz Ismail, 37, one of the affected vendors, shared his experience of being forced to close his food stall due to poor business.
Having inherited the business from his parents, Hafiz admitted that continuing operations at the centre was no longer viable.
"One of the main issues is the lack of proper amenities and its location, which isn't visible from the main road," Hafiz said.
"Before the new site was built, we had a steady stream of customers. But after it was completed, things didn't go as expected.
"The dining area was cramped and had limited seating, which drove customers away.
"My parents eventually gave up the stall because they couldn't bear the losses anymore.
"We were spending more than we earned, so it was better to stop," he said.
Another former vendor, Haslindawati Abdul Hamid, 35, echoed Hafiz's sentiments.
She had taken over her late father's business, selling a variety of soups in the area for nearly 30 years, starting the business before the square's upgrading works.
However, she no longer sees the appeal of continuing in the current location.
"Back in the day, this place was lively every night. It was enjoyable to do business here, especially with all the activities.
"But ever since the new stalls opened, the number of customers has dwindled," Haslindawati said.
"I've seen many vendors come and go. The rent isn't even that high, but the location and the condition of the area might make people reluctant to visit," she added.
Resident Haslinawati Ahmad, 42, believed authorities needed to introduce additional activities at the square to draw more visitors.
She suggested turning the area into an express bus transit point with ticket counters, which she believes would attract more people.
"If they did that, I'm sure more people would stop by.
"There could also be activities like kayaking, renting electric bicycles or scooters, and so on," she proposed.
The New Straits Times has reached out to the authorities to comment on the issue.