IPOH: Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, the state housing and local government committee chairman, has announced that the Ipoh City Council is working on upgrading the popular Gerbang Malam night market.
The council received an allocation of RM2.6mil from the federal government in 2019, which kickstarted the plans and works for the upgrade.
In April, a 185m-long shade structure was erected along Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, where Gerbang Malam operates. The council covered the extra cost of RM300,000 for this structure.
Ng mentioned that this is just Phase One of the project and that the council is waiting for a new allocation to construct another 171m-long shade structure. The council has submitted applications to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for this purpose.
Responding to traders’ complaints about a uncovered stretch of the road causing them to lose business during the rainy season, Ng said that Phase 2 of the project would involve roof installation, electrical work for the heli fans, and a pedestrian walkway.
Additionally, the council has applied to the Housing and Local Development Ministry for a smaller sum under the development division to assist with the upgrading project, which will be carried out in phases due to the large allocations involved.
Ng clarified that there is no favoritism towards certain vendors over others and expressed hope for cooperation from all parties involved to overcome any obstacles in the upgrading process.
