By: Rosli Mansor and Ahmad Razali
IPOH – With just a few days left until the conclusion of Visit Ipoh Year 2023 (VIY2023) and the transition to Visit Perak Year 2024 (VPY2024), reflections on the year reveal substantial changes initiated by local authorities, especially the Ipoh City Council (MBI).
It cannot be denied that various collaborations between the MBI, Tourism Perak, and tourism industry players have conducted various activities to attract tourists to visit the city of Ipoh.
However, amidst the festivities, there are overlooked locations that have long been contributors to the tourism industry.
Medan Selera Taman Kanak-Kanak, originally named Medan Selera Dato’ Tahwil Azhar Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, situated in Taman Jubilee, stands as a tourist hub that should not be neglected.
A recent survey by Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic at the site revealed that the digital clock tower in the centre of the food court is not functioning properly.
The most apparent issue is with the LCD television screen, which displays tourism products in the Perak region. It is not fully visible and can be considered completely damaged.
Additionally, vandalism is present on the clock tower walls, marked by spray-painted graffiti.
The surrounding area has rainwater puddles, causing discomfort to visitors, especially children playing in this vicinity.
Furthermore, the public restroom, despite being charged RM0.50, is malodorous and unclean. The MBI should inspect the cleanliness of these public facilities.
The unfriendly and irresponsible attitude of restroom attendants towards cleanliness has a negative impact, especially on foreign tourists.
Therefore, those responsible, especially the MBI, should promptly address the damages at the food court, which holds numerous memories since its opening in the 1970s.
Priority should be given to repairing the clock tower, ensuring environmental cleanliness, and maintaining the hygiene of public restrooms.
As we stand on the brink of the new year 2024, with VPY2024 expected to attract tourists, this location is set to be a focal point due to its proximity to the ‘Gerbang Malam’ shopping centre.
Let us not allow tourists to depart with unfavourable news about the city of Ipoh due to what may be considered a minor oversight.
