By Aida Aziz
IPOH: A wait of over eight years has finally ended with the joyful news that traders on Jalan Tali Api in Kampung Manjoi here will undergo phased changes and development.
Stalls on Jalan Tali Api are familiar to the residents of Ipoh city as they often become a focal point for people to buy snacks and pastries.
This location is also bustling with people due to business hours extending into the late evening, following the opening of several stalls offering fried dishes.
The Ipoh City Council (MBI) announced in a statement that a recent townhall session unanimously agreed to undertake phased development at the location.
They mentioned facilities requested by traders such as public toilets, separate water meters, lighting, and safety corners.
“A townhall session with traders on Jalan Baru (Under Tali Api) was held at the Neighborhood Community Hall, Kampung Tengku Hussein, with an invitation from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
“The session was chaired by the City Secretary, Ahmad Munir Ishak, MBI Member for Manjoi Zone, Ahmad Khair Faizal Yahaya, Acting Licensing Director Lee Soon Gum, City Health Director M.Raman A/L Maran.
“Facility Management Director Romzi Zamri, TNB certified engineer Ir. K. Mahendran, and 18 involved traders,” they said in a statement.
The statement further explained that a discussion and Q&A session between MBI and traders was also held.
“It was agreed upon that the license fee set is RM230 per year, and MBI also agreed to undertake phased development for facilities requested by traders such as public toilets, separate water meters, lighting, and trader safety,” they said.
They added that the townhall session was one of MBI’s initiatives to assist unlicensed traders, especially those on Jalan Baru Kampung Manjoi, who have been operating for over eight years.
Additionally, they stated that most traders agreed to comply with MBI’s requirements to allow them to operate legally and be licensed.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Khair Faizal expressed his joy and gratitude for being able to provide relief to the traders there.
“Thanks to all parties, especially the Mayor of Ipoh, who is committed to helping small traders.
“Therefore, my next step is to assist traders here in making stalls on Jalan Tali Api a main attraction for Ipoh residents to visit Gugusan Manjoi for various dishes and pastries,” he said.
Previously, he also mentioned initiatives implemented include installing four solar lamps on Jalan Tali Api to enhance lighting along the route.
“It’s one of MBI’s efforts to help small traders operate more comfortably,” he added.
