By Aida Aziz
Photo: Reader
IPOH: The historic Japanese Garden, which symbolizes the friendship between the city of Ipoh and Fukuoka, located at D.R. Seenivasagam Park here, appears to be poorly managed and inadequately maintained.
Although it is understood that upgrading and restoration works have been ongoing since last year, many are questioning why the 30-year-old garden has not been properly cared for even while these works are supposedly in progress.
An Ipoh resident who frequently visits the area with his family, Mohamed Ridzwan Mohamed Salim, expressed his disappointment and frustration over the situation, which he said badly tarnishes the image of the city.
He alleged that the bridge in the garden has been damaged, the grass around the area has not been cut, and matters are made worse by the presence of many dead fish floating in the lake, causing foul odors and pollution.
For the record, the issue of the damaged bridge which is no longer usable was raised by Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic back in June. At the time, the authorities explained that the garden was undergoing upgrading works.
“During my visit there on 30 December, I found the place to be poorly maintained. My family and I often come here to see the fish in the lake.
“There was a foul smell coming from the dead fish, and it appeared that they had been dead for at least several days.
“Since this park is frequently visited by families, including children, this situation could pose a health hazard. It also seems to show that the Ipoh City Council (MBI) has once again failed to carry out its responsibility in maintaining public parks.
“I asked MBI staff who were there a few months ago, and I received the same answer that it was undergoing upgrading and restoration.
“But I see the condition getting worse, because I often come to D.R. Seenivasagam Park with my family. Even the lake next to the Japanese Garden looks like it is deteriorating badly,” he said when raising the issue with Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic.
As a Perak resident and a native of Ipoh, he wants the issue to be taken seriously not only by MBI but also by the state government, as the park is synonymous with one of the main tourist attractions in the state.
“This park is frequently visited by both local and international tourists, and it could even pose a health threat to the public. It is hoped that this matter can be investigated further.
“I hope MBI will play its role in ensuring the sustainability of Ipoh. Roads and parks are not being properly maintained. D.R. Seenivasagam Park has a lot of history, but it is unfortunate to see it left in this condition,” he said.
Apart from Ipoh, Japanese Gardens also exist in Shah Alam, Selangor, and Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
The Japanese Garden covers an area of 1.2 hectares and was built following the unique landscape structure found in Fukuoka.
It was officially opened on 20 June 1995 and officiated by the then Mayor of Ipoh, Ahmad Salleh Sarif, together with former Mayor Datuk Umar Abu.
Watanabe represented the Mayor of Fukuoka at the ceremony.
The agreement signed on 21 March 1989 was the first sister-city agreement established between cities in Japan and Malaysia.
