By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has submitted a funding request of RM4.25 million for the implementation of Phase 2 of the Gerbang Malam Structure.
According to MBI’s statement, the funding request was sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) to facilitate the construction of shading structures, electrical works; which include the installation of heli-fans, and the creation of pedestrian walkways in the area.
“MBI has also received funding from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government for the Phase 2 shading construction, involving two bays of roofing structures. Construction is expected to begin on October 14, 2024, and is scheduled for completion by May 12, 2025, with the contractor selection process currently underway,” the statement said.
Additionally, MBI announced that the pedestrian walkways in the Gerbang Malam area have been fully completed with funds provided by MOTAC.
“The state government, through MBI, continuously strives to secure additional funding to complete the Gerbang Malam development. This effort aims to boost business activities and attract more tourists to Ipoh, thereby strengthening the city’s economy,” the statement added, in response to feedback from Gerbang Malam vendors.
Yesterday, news portals Ipoh Echo and Peraktastic reported vendors’ complaints regarding unresolved roofing issues. According to a vendor representative, they were informed that the roofing facility would be addressed in the second phase, expected to begin in June 2024.
However, no action has been taken to date, and affected vendors are still required to pay the same rent rate as those with roof coverage.
MBI further clarified that Phase 1 of the Gerbang Malam Structure Construction Project, covering 185 meters along Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, was completed in April 2023.
“The project was funded by the Perak State Government through a Special Grant by the Prime Minister in 2019 under the Federal Government’s Special Allocation Trust Fund, totalling RM2.6 million, with an additional RM300,000 provided by MBI itself.
“However, the remaining Gerbang Malam area, covering 171 meters out of a total of 356 meters, has yet to be constructed due to a lack of funding. Phase 1 only included plug points for the heli fans, but the installation was not covered,” the statement concluded.
