By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH – Despite previous complaints, the Ipoh City Council (MBI) is reportedly still failing to take any action to address the deteriorating condition of the bus parking area in front of Hotel Excelsior on Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, which remains uneven, damaged, and increasingly eroded.
Adding to the concern, hotel management revealed that a narrow lane beside the hotel is believed to have sunk, posing a safety risk to both vehicles and pedestrians passing through the area.
According to a close source, the hotel continues to pay RM9,500 annually for the parking lot to MBI, yet no maintenance or resurfacing work has been carried out despite the worsening condition.
“The source said that several complaints had been lodged previously, but no official response has been received from the local authorities. It is understood that the issue has persisted for several years without any repair work,” the source added.
“Whenever it rains, water accumulates in the parking area. This not only hinders bus movement but also endangers passengers alighting from buses.
“Most embarrassingly, there have been instances where tour groups had to get off their buses in waterlogged areas. Passengers risk slipping if they step on the wet and uneven surfaces,” the source said.
The source added that the situation reflects poorly on the safety standards and public facilities in Ipoh, particularly as the country gears up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The hotel reportedly continues to receive a high number of room bookings from outside Perak, including foreign tour groups arriving by bus.
“We anticipate an increase in tourist arrivals. However, the damaged parking lot, waterlogging, and sunken lane raise serious concerns over both safety and the reputation of our hotel as a four-star establishment,” the source said.
He added that the local authorities’ failure to maintain essential facilities in such a strategic location not only burdens the hotel but could also tarnish Ipoh’s image in the eyes of visitors.
“If even basic issues like this cannot be resolved, how can we convince tourists that Ipoh is fully prepared to handle large-scale arrivals during Visit Malaysia Year?” the source asked.
In response, the hotel has once again called on MBI to act without delay by resurfacing the damaged parking area and inspecting the adjoining lane that is believed to have sunk, to prevent any potential accidents.
