By Aida Aziz
Photos & video: Balqis Jazimah Zahari
IPOH: The issue of shading or roofing at Gerbang Malam, one of Ipoh’s iconic tourist spots, has been repeatedly raised by traders due to the incomplete roofing structure.
However, the more pressing concern for traders is that the existing half-roof design is unsuitable—especially when it rains heavily.
Many traders hope this issue will be brought to the attention of the authorities, particularly the Ipoh City Council (MBI), as it hasn’t been widely addressed.
Heavy rain and strong winds, which frequently affect the city, often disrupt business activities and reduce visitor turnout at Gerbang Malam.
It’s well known that Gerbang Malam has long contributed to Ipoh’s vibrant nightlife and serves as an economic lifeline for the local community.
It is a hotspot for both domestic and international tourists to experience the uniqueness of Ipoh and Perak-themed products.
A recent survey at Gerbang Malam was conducted following complaints from several parties urging for the issue to be resolved urgently, especially the unfinished roof structure.
Osman Daud, 50, who has been trading there for over 20 years, claimed the incomplete and open roof design causes rainwater to pour down like a waterfall during heavy rain.
Many traders are affected and unable to operate, with visitors also getting caught in the rain.
“It’s been four years since this half-roof was installed, but it’s practically useless in heavy rain. Many goods get damaged.
“The issue is with the design—it’s full of gaps, and rainwater just gushes down like a waterfall.
“And that’s not even mentioning the strong winds—tents get damaged, and rainwater pools and then pours through those gaps.
“It’s not that we’re ungrateful—we appreciate the roof and the facilities provided—but we hope the design can be improved so it doesn’t affect traders and visitor numbers,” he said.
Supporting that claim, Badrul Ikhwan Badrul Hisham, 31, who trades in the roofed zone, also hopes for a swift resolution.
“If it’s just light rain, people still come. But when it rains heavily, the gapped roof doesn’t help at all.
“Every time it rains hard, we have to replace our tents because they get damaged by rain and wind. The roof is a good idea, but it becomes a problem in heavy rain,” he said.
Meanwhile, regarding the still half-completed roof, Anuar Mohamad, who has also been trading there for 20 years, expressed his disappointment with the ongoing delays in construction.
He said it’s unfair that traders without roof cover still pay the same rental rates as those with full cover.
He added that the issue has been raised for a long time, and even with a new mayor in office, the roof remains unfinished.
“When we lodge complaints, they say the budget is insufficient. A council member came last month and said they’re still waiting for funding from the Ministry.
“For those of us without a roof, we simply can’t trade when it rains, unlike those who are covered.
“This is a tourist area—so the new Mayor or Chief Minister should come and see for themselves, check on us here,” he said.
Ahmad Irwan Othman, Chairman of the Gerbang Malam Entrepreneurs Welfare Association, said that after 22 years, Gerbang Malam deserves an image befitting its status as a tourist destination.
“According to the authorities, the roof design was meant to allow air to flow. But during heavy rain, it causes a rush of water to enter the Gerbang Malam walkway.
“We’ve already reported it to MBI, but they said it’s the approved design. They’re also still waiting for the Ministry’s allocation to complete the roofing.
“If possible, the roof should be more visitor- and trader-friendly. We hope the new Mayor will come down here to assess the situation and help resolve this long standing issue,” he said.
Other issues raised include the need for proper signage about Gerbang Malam for daytime parking visitors, uneven walkways in certain areas, and parking touts.
