By Aida Aziz
Photo: Reader
IPOH: The road conditions in Ipoh are at a moderate level compared to major cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang, said Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.
He said it is not fair to compare Ipoh’s roads with those in larger cities considering that the tourism strategy here only began four years ago.
“When we talk about road maintenance, there are about 3,400 kilometers (km) under the Ipoh City Council (MBI).
“We have indeed repaired many roads, but in terms of percentage, it’s still low.
“For example, in four years, we repaired 300 km, but it’s less than 10 percent compared to the total.
“We cannot be compared to Penang, whose tourism policy dates back to the early 1970s, Melaka in the 1990s, Johor Bahru over 20 years ago, and even Langkawi since the late 1980s.
“We only started in 2021; we shouldn’t expect to immediately match other cities. We need to be realistic and cannot rush. The roads here are average and moderate, not terribly bad,” he said.
He made these remarks during a press conference when asked about public complaints regarding the poor condition of roads in the city, which are potholed and not repaired.
Especially with the increase in visitors during Visit Perak Year 2024.
Meanwhile, Rumaizi added that efforts to improve the condition of roads here include four approaches.
“With tax payments we receive, we repair roads. Secondly, cooperation with the private sector, such as on Tambun Road, Botani, and Klebang Meru.
“In addition, through federal government allocations and collaboration with developers,” he said.
