It was all smiles for the long-suffering traders at Ipoh’s poultry market in Jalan Laxamana, Ipoh.
When the market was closed for repairs in 2014, most of the traders were moved to the main wet market (Super Kinta) across the road. Unfortunately, they did not gain much, as the placement was temporary. Moreover, space in the wet market was limited and movement, restricted.
Their anxiety ended when the repaired market was reopened for business by Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar on Thursday, May 4. It was named Amanjaya Poultry Market.
The minister presented keys to 34 traders who began their business soon after. One of the traders, Mohd Jamil Mat Jamlus, 46, said he looked forward to his business at the new revamped market.
“I felt the pinch at the main market due to poor sales. Parking was almost impossible there and that was the real cause.
“But today I’m happy to do business in this gleaming and modern building. Conditions were pretty bad before the renovation. People weren’t keen to come because of insufficient parking space. I hope customers would return as the market is more user-friendly now and there are ample parking lots,” said Mohd Jamil to Ipoh Echo.
Another trader, K. Kalithasan, 47, hoped the upgraded market would encourage Ipohites to buy their necessities there.
“The market is more comfortable compared to the previous one. One is spoilt for choice here,” said Kalithasan who has been selling chicken for over six years.
Work on the 56,783 sq ft market was completed on January 30 this year. The estimated cost was RM12.6 million. The bulk of the funds came from the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry with Ipoh City Council chipping in a little.
The high ceiling with an open-air concept creates a comfortable ambience for customers. It is breezy thus providing a salubrious effect on shoppers.
“The market has 60 trading lots. It is equipped with elevators, multi-storey parking with 313 parking lots, WiFi, closed-circuit television and functioning public toilets.
“I hope traders will maintain the cleanliness of the market. The multi-storey parking building will help alleviate traffic congestion in this area,” said Noh Omar.
Present at the ceremony were the Executive Councillor for Public Utilities, Infrastructure, Energy and Water Dato’ Zainol Fadzi Paharudin and Ipoh City Council Secretary, Mohamad Zakuan Zakaria.
Nabilah Hamudin
