By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH – Once a major attraction in the city, Kinta Riverwalk has now turned into a ‘white elephant’ as maintenance continues to be neglected.
Local traders have expressed their concerns, attributing the lack of public and tourist interest to the area’s dark and poorly maintained condition.
One trader, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the absence of lighting along the pedestrian paths makes the area dull and unattractive.
“The lights along Kinta Riverwalk have not been functioning for a long time, even before the current rainy season. The atmosphere here is vastly different compared to the vibrant scene two years ago.
“Worryingly, every night this area has become a hotspot for immoral activities among couples due to the lack of lighting. There have also been crimes like shop break-ins in the poorly lit areas across the river,” the trader told Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic.
They are calling on the Ipoh City Council (MBI) to take immediate action before the situation worsens, further tarnishing the reputation of this tourist spot.
Kinta Riverwalk, which was developed as a continuation of the Ipoh Heritage Trail, is part of the city’s effort to boost tourism. It also forms a key component of the Old Town Tourism Zone as outlined in the Special Area Plan (RKK), Ipoh Walkable City, and the Ipoh Local Plan 2035.
In January 2022, Kinta Riverwalk underwent a revamp and was relaunched by Dato’ Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi, who was then the Chairperson of the Perak State Housing, Local Government, and Tourism Committee, alongside Ipoh Mayor Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin.
A visitor from Selangor, Mohd Amran Kadir, 47, expressed his disappointment over the current state of the Kinta Riverwalk, which he found far below his expectations.
“I came to Ipoh with my family to experience the beautiful night scene with colourful lights, as seen in pictures online.
“But sadly, the reality is nothing like what we expected. I hope the state government and local authorities are more aware of this issue and ensure that tourists are not left disappointed when they visit,” he said.
He further voiced his concern that Visit Perak Year 2024 should not be just empty rhetoric, and attractions like Kinta Riverwalk deserve proper attention.
