Divided over new project

Old and rundown: Pasir Pinji wet market is due for a reconstruction. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

PLANS are in the pipeline to demolish and rebuild the 63-year-old Pasir Pinji wet market in Ipoh which is in a deplorable state.

Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming announced on Dec 11 that several projects would be initiated in the city including construction of the new market costing between RM11mil and RM13mil.

The plan is for the project to kick off this year and for it to be completed by 2025.

However, market traders are divided over rebuilding plans as they fear their businesses will be affected when they are relocated while construction takes place.

Like many old wet markets, the dilapidated premises is dirty, smelly, dimly lit, infested with rats and has a leaky roof despite repairs carried out in 2021.

Regardless of the negative points, some market traders seem content with its current state.

Fishmonger Ng Chee Meng, 46, who has been trading there for about 20 years, said moving out to a new location would disrupt business.

The Pasir Pinji market has no carpark facilities resulting in people parking by the main road and causing congestion.

“Our businesses will be affected during the transition period, and we are not sure if the temporary spot will attract customers.

“I feel minor renovations is good enough as the roof has been repaired and the leaking issue is under control,” he said.

Fruit trader Eng Sew Ting, 66, is worried of losing her place at the old market once the new premises is ready.

Eng said she inherited her grandfather’s stall which has been at the same spot for the past 60 years.

“My customers know where to find me each time they visit the market.

“Traders will have to be relocated while construction is underway, so this poses a problem for us,” she said, adding that business was down because people preferred to shop at supermarkets.

Curry noodle seller Phoon (front) telling Goh (second left) why the drains need to be upgraded.

However, Phillip Loo, 73, who sells sandals, is looking forward to the upgrading project.

Loo, who has been running his business for more than 10 years, said that despite repairs, the roof still leaked during downpours.

He also said cleanliness and rat infestation were other issues that needed to be addressed.

“The market is very old. It is time a new building is constructed to overcome all the problems faced by traders,” he added.

Curry noodle seller Phoon Sau Ha, 58, said clogged drains were in need of cleaning.

“When the drains are clogged, water does not flow properly and the area is smelly.

“Some of us fear that this can lead to mosquitoes breeding in the stagnant water, resulting in diseases,” she said, adding that it was high time the project kicked off.

Yong Pee Moon, 56, who sells dry goods, said the lack of parking should be looked into.

“The market area will not be that congested if a new building with a proper carpark is built.

“When the new market is up, the area will be a lot more organised, cleaner, brighter and less congested,” said Yong, who has been operating at the market for more than a decade.

A vegetable seller, who wanted to be known only as Chow, said she was helping her sister, who was ill, to run the stall.

Chow said her sister had tried a few times to patch up holes near a drain behind the stall to prevent rats from coming through but it did not work.

“The rat issue will not be solved unless a new market is built,” she said.

Nga had said that the market, built in 1959, was falling apart as its roof was leaking and the walls were giving way.

He hoped the new market would be ready by 2025.

Pasir Pinji assemblyman Goh See Hua said the minister’s announcement was good news for the people there.

He said everyone should cooperate to ensure that the project take off.

“This opportunity is not to be missed as there is a big budget allocated for the project, and it will benefit traders and market-goers.

“There are many problems faced by both the traders and market-goers but a new building will resolve many of those issues and the market will be a comfortable place to do business,” he said.

Goh said the plans had been submitted to Ipoh City Council, and he hoped the project would begin this year.

“One of the places identified for the relocation of traders is the Kelab Kilat Field, which is about 950m away.

“For the sake of progression, we may have to endure some difficulties initially to see success in the long term,” he said.

A single-storey building with a basement carpark had been envisioned for the new market, he added.

Goh said a multistorey market was not advisable because traders were not keen for their stalls to be on upper floors, as they claimed that market-goers were reluctant to head upstairs.

He also noted that it was difficult for some senior citizens to climb the stairs, hence a one-level building was ideal.

There would be a management office to oversee maintenance issues, said Goh.

“This project will definitely make the market be more organised, and will benefit traders.

“It is pointless to keep on carrying out roof repairs and other infrastructure matters, as the problem will not be solved.

“The same goes for the rat issue here. The only way to overcome all the problems is to demolish the market and put up a new structure,” he added.

When contacted, Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said the market project had been in the planning stage some years back but it was stalled for some reason.

However, she said the long-awaited announcement on resuming the project prompted the ministry’s Local Government Department to follow up with the city council.

“The planning phase is being finalised, and once the allocation is channelled, the project can proceed.

“The new market will provide a better environment for hawkers and customers,” Ng added.