The Gerbang Malam is set to be fitted with a new image this July once the first phase of the roof construction is completed.
Ipoh Mayor, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud said that the shade structure was initially expected to reach completion on March 8 this year, however it is now expected to be completed on July 19 due to delays.
“The postponement is due to a delay in suppliers delivering materials that were ordered from Germany. As soon as the materials are received, construction works will immediately resume.
“The first phase of the roof construction involves 380 metres and the next phase may begin early next year.
“RM2.8 million was allocated for the project, however there were some additions that brought the total to RM3 million,” he told Ipoh Echo after a work visit to the project site at Gerbang Malam, Jalan Dato’ Tahwil Azhar yesterday night.
Also present were MBI Councillors Richard Ng and Albert Ho Wai Mun, as well as the Chairman of the Gerbang Malam Traders’ Welfare Association (PKUGM), Ahmad Irwan Othman and the Head of Department of the Ipoh City Council (MBI).
The roof construction project is under the responsibility of the contractor, Abdul Manas Wahab Enterprise. Thus far, thirty percent of the first phase of construction works have been completed. Phase 2 will begin after the completion of Phase 1 with a budget of RM1.8 million.
Rumaizi also added that due to many complaints from both visitors and traders, the Gerbang Malam walkway made with cobblestone pavers will also be modified.
“The new walkway will be 3 feet wide throughout the middle of the market to ensure the safety of visitors, especially the differently abled (OKU) and parents who are there with baby strollers.
“We hope that the area will not just be known as the popular Gerbang Malam, but that this development will make it a tourism product with a new look and further enliven night activities in Ipoh,” he said.
Rosli Mansor
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