By Aida Aziz
Photo : Balqis Jazimah Zahari
IPOH: The condition of the Ipoh KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) Station, which remains in poor shape with reports of leaking ceilings in several areas, has become a major concern for visitors and passengers alike.
Many passengers interviewed claimed that numerous shortcomings still exist in the station building, including unsanitary toilet facilities that project a negative image to outsiders.
Hashim Mat Nasir, who frequently commutes from Ipoh to Tanjung Malim by train, said that much of the infrastructure needs upgrading, especially in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026.
“From what I’ve observed while using the station’s services, there’s a lot that needs fixing—like the uncovered motorcycle parking.
“Whenever it rains heavily, the ceiling inside the KTM building leaks and water drips everywhere.
“Even the ticket-checking and queuing system is sometimes inefficient,” said Hashim, who travels weekly between Ipoh and Tanjung Malim.
Meanwhile, visitors from Kedah, Asharudin Che Ani and his wife Nozita Zakaria, also urged for immediate repair work to be carried out on several parts of the station’s infrastructure.
“In other places, there are designated air-conditioned waiting rooms. It would be great to have more stalls here too, as the current number is limited with few options.
“Most importantly, the toilets are in bad shape with severe roof leaks—please repair them for the sake of hygiene and comfort,” said Asharudin, who was vacationing in the city with his wife and child.
Peanut stall vendor K. Gunaseelan shared that many tourists travel to and from Ipoh via train. Having operated at the station for five years, he said he regularly faces leaking ceilings whenever it rains heavily.
“Both domestic and international tourists come here, regardless of weekends or weekdays. Hopefully, repair works can be carried out quickly,” he added.
A recent check at the KTM station found some repair work currently underway at the Majestic Hotel.
Meanwhile, Perak Heritage Association Secretary Nor Hisham Zulkiflee expressed hopes that the station’s historical value will be preserved during renovations.
“For instance, the hotel’s old elevator should be kept. A mini gallery on the station’s history could also be set up.
“It would attract tourists, as there used to be many railway-related historical artifacts here,” he said.
He added that if the Majestic Hotel is reopened, it should highlight a classic and heritage-themed concept.
“We could take inspiration from the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, Station Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, and the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Georgetown,” he suggested.
In June last year, then-Mayor of Ipoh, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, confirmed that the Railway Asset Corporation (RAC) would carry out repair and upgrading works at the Ipoh KTM Station.
He stated that the upgrading works were scheduled to begin at the end of 2024, in collaboration with the Ipoh City Council (MBI). The long-abandoned Majestic Hotel would also be included in the renovation plans.
