Nga (in white) being briefed on the new market building in Pasir Pinji during a walkabout at the market. – RONNIE CHIN/The Star
THE redevelopment of the 63-year-old Pasir Pinji wet market in Ipoh, Perak, will be carried out as stakeholders have given their support for the move.
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said about 2,000 people took part in a poll a few years ago to determine whether the market should be redeveloped and more than 90% agreed to the plan.
“More than 1,920 people want a new market.
“We are carrying out what the people want,” he said after visiting Ipoh Central Market before going to the Pasir Pinji market.
StarMetro had on Jan 7 carried a report about the project to rebuild the wet market, which is in a deplorable state.
The plan was to demolish the dilapidated market, which was built in 1959, and redevelop it into a modern market.
However, traders there are divided over the project, with some fearing their business will be affected when they are relocated during the construction period.
There are some traders who seem content with the current state and feel that minor renovations will suffice.
Nga said the new market, estimated to cost between RM12mil and RM14mil, would have self-sustainable and green features.
“It will have solar panels, with engineers planning for it to be self-sufficient so that traders need not pay the electricity bill.
“It will also have a rainwater harvesting system which can be used for cleaning,” he said, adding that the design would also see the market getting natural sunlight.
“There will be a basement carpark which can accommodate 76 vehicles,” Nga said.
He added that a RM1mil temporary market would be constructed at Kelab Kilat field, which is less than 1km away from the current wet market.
“Work is expected to start in three months and the market will be completed within 12 months.
“Ipoh City Council will start redevelopment work as soon as traders have been relocated to the temporary market,” he said.
Nga said once the redevelopment was completed, the traders would move back into the new building and the temporary market would be demolished.
“We are still sorting out the details.
“Perhaps some of the construction materials used for the temporary market can be recycled, “ he said, adding that this was to avoid wastage and cut cost.
