Some RM300,000 were allocated by the Ipoh City Council (MBI) to repair dilapidated roofs of the Pasir Pinji Wet Market.
According to the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, the works to restore the market, which has been operating non-stop for 50 years, started on August 30 and is expected for completion on September 22 later this month.
“Following the market’s traders’ complaints regarding damages on the roofs, MBI has immediately approved the allocation to fix them.
“MBI had previously executed repair works on smaller scales. However, certain sections were found to have leaked once more and the market has had a series of short circuits due to the leaks. This endangers traders and market visitors.”
He told reporters during a media session at the market here in Pasir Pinji, Ipoh, earlier today (September 4), after reviewing the situation. Also present was the MBI City Councillor for Zone 14, Dr Richard Ng.
Rumaizi added that the market was proposed to be renovated, owing to its ever-aging appearance, but no allocations have been approved by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) yet as of time of writing.
“As such, we’ve allocated RM300,000 to fix the roofs beforehand, which is out of the RM28 million in development funds for the year 2020/2021 of MBI.
“I’ve always been informed of how the traders here at Pasir Pinji market are constantly suffering from leaking roofs and short circuits, which could possibly lead to casualties, and thus, this matter can’t be held off anymore,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rumaizi reassured that the market traders do not need to halt their business affairs as the council and contractors have come up with a work plan whereby the roofs will be fixed in stages by blocks.
“The contractors only commence their work after 1.30pm every day, when the market is no longer active.
“City councillors are also directly involved in the repairing works as they were the ones who channeled the complaints our way besides providing opinions, advice and monitoring the works.
“Hopefully, the repaired roofs will bring more comfort and convenience to both traders and visitors in times to come,” he expressed.
One of the traders, Lie Mei Lee, expressed her gratitude and relief to MBI for undertaking the effort to restore the market, where she has been operating for more than 20 years.
“I’m really satisfied that the Mayor and City Councillor paid a visit to help in solving issues here which have lasted for more than five years.
“We (traders) have previously lodged complaints several times, because the walls and roofs of the market are inadequately built to withstand heavy rain.
“I thank the council and both of them for getting involved in assisting fellow traders here,” the pastry seller expressed.
Chris Teh
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