by Aida Aziz
IPOH: The ‘glow in the dark’ concept applied at Kinta Riverwalk is no longer relevant or suitable for traders and visitors, especially from a safety perspective.
This was revealed through surveys and public feedback on the changes needed at the popular visitor spot.
Many Ipoh residents, including affected traders, are calling for the installation of more floodlights instead of merely repairing existing lights, as they believe the lights will eventually be damaged again during rainy weather.
If the lights break down again, they claim it will certainly affect lighting in the area, especially since they currently rely heavily on bright lighting from the nearby Amusement Park. If that premise closes, the entire area becomes dark.
In addition to these suggestions, the public is also urging the Ipoh City Council (MBI) to be more responsive to complaints regarding damage and maintenance issues at Kinta Riverwalk.
“Please brighten this area like how hawkers at D.R. Seenivasagam Park are able to operate why is there sufficient lighting there while it is pitch-dark here? We also pay rent, even higher rent, so why are our needs ignored?
“If the photos attached appear bright at night, believe us it’s because modern smartphones can enhance brightness. In reality, this area is extremely dark and the glow in the dark concept is not suitable.
“When the state government or MBI says they will repair broken lights, please also add more floodlights, because the existing lights are not bright enough.
“Lighting is very important for us to do business and for visitors to feel safe. MBI should also prune large trees so they don’t fall on shops or people.
“Complaints have been made repeatedly, and we no longer know who else to complain to. Maintenance work must be carried out, not just temporary fixes where we then have to wait a long time when the lights break again,” said one trader.
The trader, who has been operating there for more than three years, welcomed the efforts of the State Housing and Local Government Exco, Sandrea Ng, who has assured that the issue will be taken seriously and that the area will be redeveloped.
“The state government, including the Tourism Exco, needs to make efforts to organize more activities and promote this place. Unfortunately, even during Visit Perak Year, there were no initiatives to introduce this area.
“Tourists who come here ask us why this place is in such poor condition, as if there is no maintenance. Please help revive this place, don’t only take action when something goes viral.
“If possible, YB Sandrea and other relevant Excos should come down to the ground and inspect the situation here, so we can gather and discuss the problems we have been facing all this time,” said another trader.
An Ipoh resident suggested that cultural and arts performances should be organized there every week to revive the area and attract crowds again.
Another netizen opined that these efforts need to be coordinated with the relevant Excos, including tourism, to ensure they can truly be realized.
Yesterday, Sandrea, in her response to a report by Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic, welcomed suggestions and feedback from all parties to redevelop Kinta Riverfront.
“I want to open the space to all stakeholders and the wider community, including traders, hawkers, NGOs, artists, youth, and others, to share ideas and suggestions.
“How can we revive Kinta Riverwalk, which was once a source of pride for the people of Ipoh? With solid proposals, I can discuss them with the relevant authorities to turn these ideas into reality,” she said.
