BY: Zaki Salleh
IPOH: Lush greenery is a welcome sight—but not when it overtakes abandoned buildings.
A row of old shophouses along Jalan Sultan Iskandar has become overgrown with wild vegetation, turning what was once a historic landmark into an eyesore.
These pre-World War II shophouses, nearly a century old, showcase intricate architectural details, including ornate carvings along their facades.
However, years of neglect have obscured their aesthetic value, diminishing their role in highlighting Ipoh’s heritage.
Peering beyond the zinc barricades that now cover the buildings’ fronts, one finds interiors cluttered with discarded wooden furniture, a stark contrast to their former grandeur.
With proper care and restoration, these buildings could become a visual attraction for photography enthusiasts and tourists alike. Jalan Sultan Iskandar, situated near the historic Panglima Kinta Mosque, is an integral part of Ipoh’s early Malay settlement.
Historically, the land beneath these shophouses once served as paddy fields belonging to Datuk Panglima Kinta before he permitted the construction of commercial properties to support Ipoh’s modernisation.
The oral history of Ipoh’s development deserves proper documentation to ensure future generations appreciate its significance.
Meanwhile, the responsibility for maintaining properties within Ipoh rests with their owners, as stipulated by city regulations.
Previously, Ipoh Mayor Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin stressed that property owners must uphold the cleanliness of their premises, as the Ipoh City Council (MBI) is not authorised to trespass or intervene without consent.
Property owners are thus urged to take responsibility for the upkeep of their assets, preserving both the city’s heritage and its visual appeal.
