By Amirul Asyraff
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the current condition and management of Kinta Riverwalk. I hope newspapers can bring up this issue.
In recent times, the area has seen a significant decline in activity and maintenance. Many business operators have ceased operations, and the number of active vendors has reduced drastically. One of the contributing factors is the high rental rates imposed by MBI, which are comparatively higher than other premises under MBI’s administration. This has placed a heavy burden on existing tenants who are struggling to sustain their businesses.
Initially, Kinta Riverwalk offered many attractions and had great potential to be a vibrant community space. However, due to poor management decisions, it has now become underutilized and neglected. A notable example is the decision made last year by MBI to allow hawkers to operate at the Taman DR parking area, located behind Miker. This move has negatively impacted the Riverwalk vendors, as hawkers are only required to pay an annual license fee, while Riverwalk tenants continue to pay substantial monthly rent.
In addition, the overall condition of the Riverwalk area has deteriorated. It has become darker, less safe, and visibly unkempt, with overgrown grass and unmanaged surroundings. These conditions further discourage visitors and business prospects.
It is also concerning that the number of hawkers operating in the vicinity has grown, yet MBI has not taken proactive steps to encourage these hawkers to occupy the available shop lots that remain vacant. This would not only help regulate the hawker population but also revitalize the area by increasing legitimate business activity.
I urge the relevant authorities to re-evaluate the current policies and take necessary steps to restore Kinta Riverwalk to its former potential. This includes addressing rental discrepancies, relocating hawkers to proper business premises, and ensuring regular maintenance and safety of the area.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope appropriate actions will be taken promptly to support the affected business community and improve the overall state of Kinta Riverwalk.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Ipoh Echo
