Fountain at the iconic Railway Station has stopped gushing and gurgling

Although the railway station has been renovated as part of the Ipoh-Kuala Lumpur dual-tracking project, its surroundings are yet to be spruced up. The Moorish architecture, albeit impressive, appears desolate and lacks public transportation, unlike most entry points for tourists.

Mini Garden of Taj Mahal
The Ipoh Map and Guide produced by the city council some years ago described the railway station as an impressive structure “fronted by a beautiful floral garden which serves as a charming welcome for tourists”. This garden which is right in the middle of the “Heritage Walk” being promoted in the city and also the location of Pokok Ipoh (antiaris toxicaria) from which the city got its name, was fondly referred to as ‘a mini garden of Taj Mahal’. Today I wonder if it still serves as a ‘charming welcome’ for tourists as the area reeks of neglect.

The beautiful fountain has stopped gushing and gurgling for some time and is collecting rubbish. Who knows, even Aedes mosquitoes may be breeding should there be stagnant water inside the empty fountain.

The Medan Stesen and its fountain need constant attention. We cannot adopt a “tidak apa” attitude as maintenance and minor repairs must be constantly carried out if we are serious about attracting tourists, whether local or foreign.

Fountain at the edge of Ipoh Padang in need of some scrubbing

The city council appears to be unable to sustain its maintenance works. A project in the city is attractive as long as it is new. Like the fountains, there are many other minor repairs, which if not attended to quickly, will only cost the city council more later as well as become “eyesores” through poor maintenance.

Flying Squad With Special Fund
All attention seems to be concentrated only along Jalan Gopeng, where Istana Kinta is located. The city council’s parks and gardens section has failed to continuously beautify the city with landscaping, planting and pruning of shrubs and flowers on roundabouts and road-dividers. Certainly a study tour to Melaka can be useful to the staff?

I am sure city council is not hit by manpower shortage. Is it just waiting to tender these minor repairs to contractors later? Why not set up a special fund for repairs to public property and infrastructure without delay? It may be necessary to form a flying squad with a special fund to carry out such repairs and maintenance work quickly.

Taxpayers’ money is often wasted just because minor repairs are not carried out regularly, allowing the situation to deteriorate until an allocation is needed for a contractor to do the job.

There is no doubt the city council is gradually carrying out improvements to the city’s infrastructures, but if timely minor repairs are carried out, then pavements do not necessarily need to be replaced just because there are some broken tiles. This is at the expense of developing other areas.

Remember, the first impression is very important. A city needs to show it is well managed, clean and beautiful.

Jerry Francis

Ipoh’s second Mayor Dato’ Ismail Shah Bodin was a man with a vision – to see Ipoh City Council become a caring one.

During his tenure (1993-95), the city council became caring for its employees and caring for the residents, in line with the national call for a caring society.

“We want everyone to think of Ipoh’s City Council as one with a big heart”, he told me once. “We want to stress to the people, particularly the council’s employees that we do care about their welfare. In this way, we hope to instil confidence in the employees for their dedicated and efficient service to the residents.”

In return, said Ismail, the city council expected the co-operation from all residents to make the city beautiful and efficient. Thus, he launched his motto “We Care – Excellence Through Teamwork”, soon after his appointment.

His vision was not merely lip service, but also action oriented and he led by example, qualities which are quite rare these days. As a ‘no nonsense’ man, he immediately set his brand of administration to ensure his vision would become a reality. He knew where the weaknesses were as he had been the secretary of the then municipal council from 1985 to 1989.

Ismail would move about incognito in his private ‘Beetle’ (car) to make surprise inspections, including checking on rubbish collection, clogged drains and over-grown bushes.

In spite of his heavy work schedule, Ismail was also actively involved in various voluntary works. He was also the honorary commander of the Battalion 503, Territorial Army and deputy president of Perak Cultural Council.

Wherever he served, he left with distinctions. In Parit as the Perak Tengah District Officer, he was instrumental in starting a payment-by instalment scheme to recover the large amount of arrears on quit rent. In Manjung, he ensured the popular Teluk Batik beach was not being littered, and in Taiping, he cleared street stalls and petty traders by relocating them.

Ismail’s illustrious career began in 1965 as secretary of Tapah District Council and later as ADO in Kuala Kangsar, Selama and Sungai Siput before leaving for a course in Japan. On his return in 1974, he was appointed as the first general manager of the State Agriculture Development Corporation and served until 1979 before becoming District Officer of Perak Tengah and Taiping and later as State director of Land and Mines.

Ismail, 71, a member of the Dewan Negara Perak, died of blood poisoning on June 26 and was buried at the Gurap Muslim Cemetery on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

By Jerry Francis

What has happened to the proposal to redevelop the location of Ipoh’s once well-known landmark – Yau Tet Shin Market – better known as the ‘Pasar Bulat’? Is it hanging in limbo now?

After the last general elections, it was being actively pursued. Some local architects had even drawn up plans and submitted them for consideration.

Enthusiastically, various members of the public and NGOs had also come forward to give their views and ideas on the proposed redevelopment of the site to the Ipoh City Council.

The project was to re-energise the city by turning the location around Cowan Street in the New Town Sector into a multi-racial “cultural district”.

Among the prime movers of the project are the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Perakean League (an organization of prominent Perak-born individuals), Perak Academy, Perak Heritage Society and Ipoh City Watch.

The Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry had even carried out a survey on the proposal and received unanimous support from the business community in the area.

Most of them felt that redeveloping the site as a commercial and shopping complex would inject new life to the once active shopping centre.

At a public forum held in a hotel in Ipoh in January, last year, the proposed project also had consensus from various NGOs and individuals.

Mayor Datuk Roshidi Hashim, had, in his invitation letter to the public forum, said the State government (then under Pakatan Rakyat) had agreed to hold the forum for the residents to give their views and proposals so that the redevelopment of the site could be carried out according to their “hopes and aspirations”.

The Yau Tet Shin Market was built in 1961. Following an invitation by the then Ipoh Municipal Council, architects throughout Malaysia and Singapore submitted the building’s designs. The winning design, submitted by Architects Booty, Edwards & Partners, was picked and the building was constructed at a cost of $500,000.

The octagonal-designed block had a “projecting shell roof and balcony terminating in two gradual ramps”. It is known to the locals as Pasar Bulat (the circular market) or pat-kok lau (octagonal villa).

It was named after a Kah Ying Hakka’s community leader, Yau Tet Shin, who had risen from mining coolie to towkay. His mansion is currently occupied by the State Health & Medical Department.

He was the developer for much of early Ipoh. He acquired a piece of land from the Dato’ Panglima Kinta and built a theatre on Leech Street in 1891. He then built some shop houses along Panglima Street, as the theatre had made the surrounding land valuable.

Yau Tet Shin, who also owned a large mine at Ampang and the Menglembu Smelting Works near Ipoh, developed a large tract of land east of the Kinta River that bisects the city into New Town and Old Town sectors in the early 1930s.

The Yau Tet Shin Market became a popular rendezvous for tourists, where they could pick up souvenirs, pomeloes and other favourite goodies of the city, as well as being a hangout for youngsters.

In 2001, the building was deemed unsafe by the city council and was demolished. Since then the site has been used as a public car-park and became the main issue of grievance amongst the predominantly Chinese residents of the city.

It was only after the Pakatan Rakyat came into power in Perak in March 2008 general elections that some serious suggestions about the redevelopment of the site were made.

However, just as it was gaining momentum, the state government changed hands and all enthusiasm to develop the project fizzled out. Now, no one is willing to talk about it and any attempt to get comments from those connected with the plan for redevelopment of the site, either ran up against a blank wall or received a request not to write about it yet.

Perhaps those involved need to be re-energised now to get the proposed project going and bring back more life to the city centre, which has become gloomy and will soon be flooded with swiftlet ‘hotels’.

Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, who was asked earlier about the redevelopment, said no allocation had been given for the project.

His statement shattered any hope of the residents that the proposed “cultural district” will be developed to fill the need for a tourists’ centre in the city, at least not for many more years.

Just as I had expressed my fear earlier (IE93) that any plan to relocate the last of the giant tin dredge and preserve it as a heritage of the once renowned tin mining industry in the Kinta Valley will face a whopping bill.

It is now learnt that an estimate prepared by an engineering company to move the dredge to Clearwater Golf Resort, where it is being proposed for relocation, will cost a total of RM30 million. That is to dismantle the 60-year-old dredge at its present location at Batu 5, Jalan Batu Gajah-Tanjung Tualang and reassemble it at the golf resort about 12 km away.

Dismantling vs. Repair on Site

Dismantling the 5,000-ton dredge “TT5” and reassembling it at the new location will cost RM25 million while the cost of preparing the new site for relocating the dredge, transporting the various sections of the dredge, to repair and replace damaged parts, installing safety features, and as well as painting it will cost another RM5 million.

And what about the time it takes to dismantle the dredge and reassemble at the new location? According to mining experts, it will take over two years to complete.

Compared with just leaving the dredge where it is, and to repair and spruce it up, the bill will be less than five per cent of the total cost of relocating.

Having these figures in hand now, will the state chairman of tourism Dato’ Hamidah Osman still toy with the idea of relocating the tin dredge? I hope not.

Dato’ Hamidah, who was recently asked about the proposed relocation, claimed that she is yet to study the report from the consultant.

Create a Living Monument Instead

Let us assume the RM30 million could be made available, will it be worth spending just on the relocation?  Imagine how we can use that amount of money to induce development around the area where the dredge is located.

In fact, there is a lot of land available at the site to turn into a living monument of the tin mining industry and call it “Kinta Tin Mining Village”. Replicas of the other mining methods, such as open-cast mine and palong, could be built around it with the dredge as the centrepiece.

Thus, a new tourist resort could be created and bring economic development to the once tin mining region. It will boost the economy of the locals, who could get the opportunities to set up restaurants, souvenirs’ shops and other business activities.

I share the views of many others that the dredge is left at its current location and be repaired and spruced up as a unique tourist attraction in the Silver State. It is ideally located along the main road and already has some basic infrastructure constructed by the Kinta District Council at the cost of RM600,000. There are lighted parking bays, an office building, and a concrete path around the dredge.

I don’t think merely exhibiting equipments and photographs will have a desired impact as a heritage of the tin mining industry. It takes an actual relic to have an impact.

Preservation Body Needed

We could learn from abroad how many historical and heritage relics are being successfully preserved and maintained by various non-profit organizations, particularly in Europe.

It would not be a waste of money if we could similarly set up an organisation which is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the tin mining industry, to manage and maintain the dredge. It has to be funded through an annual grant from the federal or state government and donations from various foundations.

Certainly, an entrance fee needs to be charged to meet some of the maintenance cost, but it must not be exorbitant. Presently, the dredge is being looked after by Osborne & Chappel Sdn Bhd, which had spent about RM300,000 on maintenance.

No matter how good a tourist attraction is, it needs to be promoted aggressively to be successful.

I have visited a few well known tourists’ attractions abroad, travelling for hours to the sites, only to realise that we have better attractions back home, the difference being the fact that ours are not promoted as aggressively as theirs.

Make Kinta Valley a Unique Destination

Of course our last tin dredge on its own may not have enough magnetic pull to make the Kinta Valley a tourists’ destination, but incorporated with other attractions it could be a unique destination.

A package tour could include visits to the fascinating limestone hills and cave temples around Ipoh, old mining towns such as Papan, Terrapins’ hatchery at nearby Bota Kanan, Pasir Salak Historical Complex and the taste of the various gourmet foods, including the Udang Galah (freshwater lobster) at Tanjung Tualang.

Such a tour when aggressively promoted, will certainly bring in a steady flow of local and foreign tourists to this once largest alluvial tin mining region in the world, which at this moment loses out to Kuala Lumpur and Penang in tourist appeal.

Tourists everywhere have enough of skyscrapers, shopping complexes or even beaches and are ripe and ready for some unique experiences. This is where the Kinta Valley needs to offer and create a niche for itself and start to be competitive to other destinations in the country.

By JERRY FRANCIS

This time of the year has always been the season for “goodwill and well wishes.” It is also the time for us to reflect on our roles and contribution towards the people and the nation. Some would even make New Year’s Resolutions and break them in a matter of days.

And, the rallying call in the country now is for 1Malaysia, which is undoubtedly the desire of all Malaysians irrespective of race and religion.  But, how can each of us, including those in the corridors of power, play a meaningful part to achieve the goal of a 1Malaysia?

As residents of a small city such as Ipoh, we can set a good example to the nation by caring for all, including the poor and needy and the under-privileged. It may be argued that this is not enough to attain 1Malaysia, but at least caring for each other is the main ingredient.

We must not be responsible for turning Ipoh into a concrete jungle just like many major cities where the rat race has created a society so materialistic, it has lost its sense of caring. In such a society, crime can be committed openly or against a next door neighbour, yet no one would bother. Many a time, people realise the need for a caring society only after they themselves become victims of crime. Certainly this must not be the case in a Malaysian city, at least not Ipoh.

Malaysians have been quick to respond to appeals for funds, especially in cases like urgent hole-in-the-heart operations, the treatment  of rare diseases or plastic surgery to correct disfigurement, and as well victims of natural disasters in the country and abroad.

Newspapers have often reported on cases of those in need of medicine, food, clothing and financial assistance. It is very heartening to note that in every case the response has been very good. As a result, several children and adults have undergone successful treatment which would not have been possible without the generosity of the readers, many of whom prefer to remain anonymous. The only satisfaction these generous donors get is in reading or hearing about the successful treatment, like a toddler born with a defect heart being given a new lease of life.

Members of charitable organisations have not failed to visit old folk homes, orphanages and hospitals during festivals and just need any excuse to show the unfortunate they are not being ignored. Others, such as the Yayasan Sultan Idris Shah – an Ipoh- based foundation for the disabled, and humanitarian organisation Mercy Malaysia which has sent medical teams and essential aid to disaster hit areas abroad.

This clearly shows that the call for a 1Malaysia can really work when we operate from the heart. Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion, and even political affiliation are quick to response to the plight of others.

However, there appears to be a trend among the young generation to adopt an indifferent attitude towards what is happening in their neighbourhood, especially where crime is concerned. This is probably because they are too busy pursuing their own interests to care about others.

Many residents seem to be turning a blind eye to offences in their areas, particularly in exclusive and middle-class residential housing estates. They don’t even want to get to know their next-door neighbours.

There have been a number of cases in which neighbours ignored alarm sounds and did not bother to call the police. How can the police maintain peace and security if the people do not co-operate by giving information of crime being committed in their areas?

Residents must not just leave it to the police to fight crime. They must show their civic-consciousness by co-operating with the police. An indifferent attitude to instances of crime in their midst will only encourage the criminals to be bold and strike whenever and wherever they like.

Who knows, one day those who show indifference will themselves become victims.

The collapse of the suspension pedestrian bridge across Sungai Kampar at Kuala Dipang recently has started yet another round of inquires on the cause of the tragedy.

As usual, it takes a tragedy or a serious incident for those in the relevant agencies and departments to talk about safety, mainly as to what should or should not have been done. It is as though a veil has been lifted suddenly and they began to see clearly now.

And so, guidelines and directives on safety measures are making the headlines in the aftermath of the tragedy. More will be issued as the investigations progress.

Twenty-two school-children, who were participants of a 1Malaysia’s camp, were on the bridge at 10.30 p.m. on October 26^th when it collapsed and threw them into the swift flowing river. Three of them were drowned, while the rest either managed to save themselves or were rescued.

Commenting on the need to ensure safety measures, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said a reconnaissance team would be sent out before students converge at any facility outside school compound to guarantee their safety and security in future.

It would be among the must-dos by schools and organizers of school excursions to ensure students are out of harm’s way, added Tan Sri Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister.

However many questions need to be answered. Not only on the stability of the newly constructed bridge, but also on why the children were crossing the bridge at that time of the night and whether there was adult supervision.

Will all the results of the investigations help to identify potential danger in the future so that the loss of lives and properties could be minimized, or become mere records tucked away in files and forgotten?

The ‘tidak-apa’ attitude seems to be infectious too, as even members of public are throwing all caution to the wind as shown by the drowning of three Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) undergraduates at the Batu Berangkal waterfalls also at Kampar on November 1^st. 

There have been a number of similar tragedies involving picnickers in the state, and yet precautionary measures and guidelines that need to be observed while at waterfalls, particularly during rainy season, have been ignored.

What is wrong with us, Malaysians? Are we taking thing easy and just wait for “whatever will be, will be”?

I understand if it is a natural disaster as no-one could predict when and how it would occur, but in a tragedy such as the collapse of the bridge (though the first in Perak) some precautionary measures could certainly have been taken.

Yet, every time a tragedy or incident occurs, investigations would usually narrow down the causes to negligence or failure to observe the guidelines.

In the history of Perak, there have been a number of tragedies involving school-children. Among them were the capsizes of overloaded boats at Kampung Gajah and Lenggong.

Others include rock-falls. The most serious was the rock-falls at Gunung Cheroh in Ipoh about three decades ago when several people were crushed to death in a long-house at the foot of a limestone hill.

The most recent incident was on January 11^th, this year, in the internationally known cave temple, Perak Tong, along Jalan Kuala Kangsar in Ipoh, where thousands of tonnes of rocks had crushed into the main chamber of the temple killing a security guard.

Similarly, guidelines on safety measures, including the construction of buildings at the foot of limestone hills, were issued following the rock-falls, but have been blatantly ignored.

When are the agencies and departments going to learn that safety cannot be compromised, but should be a priority at all times.

Do they need disasters periodically to remind them of their responsibilities? Are the relevant agencies and departments incompetent when it comes to implementation and supervision of safety measures?

Remedial measures must be an ongoing effort, not after an incident. They must be properly enforced so that in the event of a rock-fall, collapsed bridge, landslide or flood, the authorities can pinpoint the causes.

Therefore, what is needed is less talk and more action from all relevant agencies and departments, and as well as those responsible for safety. It means that there is a great need for affirmative action from all.