Moving with the times: Upgrades in store for Simee wet market include better lighting, improved drainage and installation of CCTV cameras. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
Renovation among six projects totalling RM3.46mil for Ipoh
THE Simee wet market in Ipoh, Perak, which was built in 1957, will be undergoing a major renovation.
Local Government Develop-ment Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that the ministry would be allocating RM3.46mil for six development projects, including the upgrading of the Simee market.
For the wet market alone, RM1mil has been allocated.
Canning assemblyman Jenny Choy Tsi Jen said the tender process was underway, and once that was completed, the renovation works would begin.
“Ipoh City Council is hoping that the project will be completed by year-end,” she said when met at the market.
New flooring, better fencing and additional lighting will be installed at Simee wet market to make conditions more comfortable for traders and customers. — Photos: RONNIE CHIN/The Star
Choy said the work would include new flooring, better lighting, upgrading of the drains inside the market, new fencing surrounding the market, rebuilding of a wall, improved ventilation and upgrading of the toilets.
She said that in 2019, a new roof and fans were installed while drain covers and gutters were replaced.
“However, the ventilation system is still not very good. It is very hot inside the market.
“Most of the traders prefer that the market be upgraded rather than for the whole structure to be rebuilt,” she said.
Choy, who is also Perak state assembly Deputy Speaker, said Simee, like other old wet markets, faced many issues.
It is plagued by rats and the area is dimly lit.
There are 221 stalls, with 14 stalls unoccupied.
A trader talking to Choy (centre) and councillor Lam Yew Tact about the drainage.
“To address safety concerns, closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras will be installed, especially where the dumpster is placed just outside the market.
“Irresponsible people have been throwing bulk items such as furniture and mattresses into the dumpster, which is meant for disposal of market waste only.
“I hope the CCTV cameras will deter them and grafitti vandals,” she added.
Choy said traders also complained about the homeless sleeping in the market at night.
“The market has never been locked before but now, we will see if the traders want the market to be under lock and key,” she said.
Signs in Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil will be put up to inform people about the location of the market.
Nga (wearing cap) during a visit to the market on June 11.
Choy said the market was famous for chee cheong fun, fried noodles, egg tarts and kuih, and that many tourists like to have their breakfast there.
“I urge traders interested in selling local delicacies to take up the unoccupied stalls.
“‘This way, we can promote the market and attract more visitors.
“Anyone interested to trade in this market can go to the council’s office at the Urban Transformation Centre to apply for a stall,” she added.
Fruit seller Lee Kok Hock, 68, has been trading at the market for more than 30 years.
“It is very hot here, so I hope more fans can be installed,” he said.
The Simee wet market was built in 1957.
He prefers that the whole structure remain and not be torn down.
“If the market is rebuilt, traders will have to relocate,” said Lee.
Fried noodles seller Woo Chee Keong, 56, also complained about the poor ventilation system.
“I hope big fans are installed so that traders and market-goers will be more comfortable.”
Liew Chean Hong, 55, who runs a sundry shop inside the market, said the drainage system needed to be upgraded.
“The market is old but the structure is still okay and does not need rebuilding.
Liew says renovation will suffice for now as the structure of the market is okay.
“Renovation should suffice for now,” he said.
Chang Yoke Kew, 52, who has been selling traditional biscuits for more than 30 years, said it was hot and stuffy inside the market.
She said the lighting was very dim and she had to instal two fluorescent lights on her own at her stall to brighten up the area.
“The flooring is also uneven, resulting in elderly customers tripping and falling.
“I am hoping that the market will be brighter, cleaner and more airy after the renovation is completed,” she added.
Lee hopes more fans can be installed as it is very hot inside the market.
Nga, during a press conference, said the RM3.46mil allocation came from the ministry, Ipoh City Council and Choy’s allocation.
He said funds had also been set aside for gutter and roof repairs at Taman Cempaka business square as well as widening and resurfacing of roads, besides construction of drains in Buntong, First Garden in Silibin and Lapangan Siber in Bandar Seri Botani.
“The first phase of renovation involved the rebuilding of Pasir Pinji wet market and upgrading of the central market.
“With the RM3.46mil announced, Ipoh will be receiving a total of RM25mil for high-impact projects (phase 1 and 2),” he added.
The toilets at Simee wet market will be upgraded.
Nga, who is also Kepayang assemblyman, said Ipoh with a population of 720,000 was fast becoming a popular centre of tourism, commerce, sports, education and finance.
He said the high-impact projects would ensure Ipoh remain prosperous, safe and dynamic.
Hard Rock Cafe recently announced its plans to open in Ipoh, he noted.
“I am urging other famous franchises to open branches here to enhance tourism.
“Ipoh was mentioned in first spot in the ‘18 of Asia’s Most Underrated Places’ list by CNN Travel portal last year, so there is great potential for expansion with effective planning,” Nga added.
