Photo: IVAN LOH/The Star
IPOH: There will be stricter enforcement of rules to ensure that Ipoh Padang is in good condition, says Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.
The Ipoh Mayor said this includes several upgrades that will be determined later after the visits by Ipoh City Council (MBI) officers.
“There are many reasons that led to the broken facilities and conditions at the park. Among them is the growing number of people in Ipoh,” said Rumaizi.
He added that Ipoh used to have around 700,000 to 800,000 people, but said that he believes it has grown to nearly 900,000 people.
“The figure doesn't include the number of tourists coming to the city. While increasing visitors and population can help to boost the economic sector, it also leads to more vandalism,” he added.
StarMetro had reported on Tuesday (May 30) that the condition of the iconic Ipoh Padang field had raised concerns among city residents who frequent the premises.
Among the issues included the jogging track, the lack of lighting, and intoxicated individuals roaming around.
Rumaizi said the council would work closely with police to tighten the safety measures there.
“I was told that there are drunk people at the field as early as 10pm. Even though we have warned the public not to drink alcohol there, it seems that many are still disobeying the rule so we will get help from the police to monitor the area," he said.
“Our enforcement officers will also be there to monitor and will issue summonses against individuals who are found vandalising the place,” he added.
Separately, Rumaizi said a meeting will be held to discuss increasing the fee for business licences.
“The licence fee was supposed to increase this year, but we decided to hold back and discuss the matter again.
“So far, no increase has been made and the decision will be made known to the public latest by June,” he said.
On May 29, a Facebook user under the name Bella Sofea uploaded a picture on a Facebook group called "Ipoh Ipoh Ajer" claiming that the licence, which is paid annually, has increased from RM120 to RM284.
