‘Clean up markets, first’

The seafood section at the Ipoh Central Market has extremely slippery floors that are hazardous for shoppers. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

THE Ipoh City Council (MBI) mayor’s plan to transform wet markets into the city’s next tourist attractions is a brilliant idea, say market shoppers and several non-governmental organisations.

However, they are doubtful whether this could be implemented, especially given how Malaysian markets are generally associated with wet, slippery floors and dirty, non-functioning toilets.

Mayor Rumaizi Baharin had previously cited examples of markets in Europe and Australia’s Sydney Fish Market that are popular tourist sites, especially for foodies searching for local delicacies and souvenirs, saying that Ipoh’s markets had the potential to provide such experiences.

However, he acknowledged that market cleanliness was a major hurdle.

As such, he said that next year, the city council would focus on ensuring clean toilets at eateries and wet markets.

In Ipoh, wet markets should have at least a Grade B rating, he added.

AJ Kinta Perak Community Welfare Association president Roslan Ali said wet markets in Malaysia, especially those in Ipoh, were not even at a satisfactory level.

He said the toilets on the first floor of Ipoh Central Market had not been functioning for over a year.

“The first thing the council needs to do is to ensure that the toilets are properly maintained.

“Clean toilets are important as they are where people form their impression of a place and its surroundings.”

Toilets at most wet markets are in poor condition, he added.

Rubbish can be found near the vegetable section of the Ipoh Central Market.

Roslan likened most Ipoh markets to chicken coops as they were usually smelly and poorly lit, noting that the floors were often slippery and dirty.

“Cobwebs are visible at many parts of the markets. The fans are hardly blowing any air and most markets are infested with rats and cockroaches.

“Ipoh is a city, yet the amenities and basic infrastructure at its markets are lacking.

“The traders, too, must be motivated to keep their surroundings clean. If all of them can do so, the markets will definitely be better,” he said.

Ipoh City Watch president Prof Richard Ng, a former city councillor, said that while Rumaizi’s plans were great, there would be significant work needed to transform the Ipoh Central Market to be like the Sydney Fish Market.

While citing the saying of Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”, Richard said that although the mayor’s plan was a good one, it would take many years to accomplish.

“The Sydney Fish Market was set up in 1872, and later revived in 1966 by the New South Wales government.

“Initially, fish was sold by traditional auction that saw buyers assemble outside the sales bay fence.

“Fishmongers would hold up fish samples from each box for buyers to bid until the highest price was reached.

“In 1989, the computerised auction system was introduced, and now over 3.5 million visitors visit the market each year,” said Richard.

He said markets were places that tourists usually frequented since local foods and products including handicrafts could be found there.

The Simee Market, which will soon undergo renovation, is also poorly lit and has slippery floors.

“Besides having traders selling vegetables, fruits, meat and seafood, the Ipoh Central Market has all the elements to attract tourists as it houses many local products and handicrafts.

“It also has a food court, tailors, retailers, florists and vendors of vintage items.”

However, he said MBI must first solve the market’s many issues.

Among the problems he identified were the cleanliness, lighting, toilet maintenance, poor drainage, frequent breakdowns of lifts and air-conditioners at the food court, and frequent water disruptions due to broken taps.

Proliferation of drug addicts and rodents at the market were also pressing issues, he said.

“I visited the market recently and spoke to some of the traders, who complained that business was bad due to the poor maintenance of the place.

“Previously as a councillor, I had brought up these issues but was told that due to lack of funds, the issues could not be resolved,” he added.

Ipoh Family Wellness Club president P. Mangaleswary said there was a long way to go to transform the wet markets into tourist attractions.

She said even visitors to the Sydney Fish Market had complained that the place was dirty and overcrowded.

“Getting our wet markets to be clean is a huge task because most facilities at our wet markets are rundown and the public toilets are in a deplorable condition.”

While tourists might be interested in eating local food at the wet markets, Mangaleswary said the hygiene issues make these places less conducive environments to dine in.

The fruit section of the Pasir Pinji wet market is poorly lit and congested.

“I hope the mayor can first focus on making wet markets better for Ipoh residents, so they can shop in clean and safe surroundings,” she said.

Retiree Joginder Kaur Jessy, 68, said she could not fathom Ipoh’s wet markets becoming tourist attractions.

With the poor conditions of the markets, tourists would not last more than five minutes, she said.

“Even regular shoppers try to get out as fast as possible from the wet markets.

“My elderly mother once fell at the Buntong market, while an acquaintance died after falling and hitting his head on a slab,” she said.

Joginder said the big roll-on-roll off (RoRo) bins placed outside the markets were also an eyesore.

“The bins are usually filled to the brim, with rubbish overflowing and plastic bags placed on the roadside.

“It is very smelly and sometimes the bins are too close to where the vegetables are sold.

Many lots are closed at the retail section of Ipoh Central Market.

“The market conditions must be improved before we can talk about turning them into tourist attractions,” she added.

Teacher Ambiga Pillay, 64, was also sceptical about the plans.

She said that on her recent visit to Spain, she saw the markets there were clean, did not smell and the floors were dry.

“The market I visited in Spain was extremely clean. We walked with ease and were not worried about falling down.

“People could enjoy eating fresh oysters and mussels there because the place was really clean,” she highlighted.

Ambiga said the condition of markets here was off-putting and she wondered how people could even eat there.

“Rats and cockroaches running around the markets have the potential to spread disease.

“Until and unless the markets are renovated, repaired and the problems are resolved, our markets won’t be suitable for tourists,” she said.

Perak local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said she welcomed and supported the mayor’s plans.

She said visits to local markets were one of the best ways to learn about a city and savour local food, but agreed that Ipoh’s wet markets were not up to mark to be promoted as attractions.

“The authority, civil society and the public can work hand in hand towards achieving this vision.

“This year, the Local Government Development Ministry has been focusing on upgrading wet markets, with priority given to upgrading or rebuilding markets that are over 50 years old.

“The ministry has plans to develop old markets as national heritage places, too.”

Sandrea said all these strategies would benefit Perak’s wet markets, which would be eligible to receive funding for the necessary upgrades.

“Perak’s local councils have also been working hard on campaigns to make wet markets clean, including campaigns on rodent control, gotong-royong and making the toilets clean, attractive and fragrant.

“We welcome NGOs to join forces and help formulate strategies to increase public awareness and monitor the local governments’ performances,” said Sandrea.

She said the public should play an active role in achieving this vision, by participating in various campaigns and helping to keep markets clean.

“There are a lot of hurdles to overcome but all we need is commitment and long-term effort.”