By Aida Aziz
Photo by Balqis Jazimah Zahari
IPOH: Tomorrow marks the start of the new year 2026, but unfortunately the condition of Kinta Riverwalk, located along the banks of the Kinta River, remains the same as it was two years ago.
It is undeniably bleak, dark, and does not look like a visitor attraction, even though it is located right in the city centre and in a strategic area.
This is not an accusation against any party, but a bitter reality to swallow, especially for the traders here, who are likened to ‘breathing in mud’ and no longer have the energy to raise the same problems repeatedly.
According to a trader who spoke to Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic, he has been renting a shop provided by the Ipoh City Council (MBI) for three and a half years, yet the conditions there remain just as dim and dark.
The trader, who declined to reveal his identity, said that lighting and maintenance are the main issues he is tired of fighting for, even though the rent charged reaches thousands of ringgit.
“Three years ago there were many traders here and it was lively with activities, but now you can see for yourself — with poor lighting, gloomy surroundings, and even outsiders don’t know what this place is.
“Only a few traders are left because many couldn’t survive. I’ve invested a lot of money in this shop, but now even getting two or three customers in a month is difficult.
“There are issues with large trees that pose a danger to the shops and the public, lights that frequently break down every time it rains, and when it gets dark we can only depend on light coming from the Amusement Park at the far end.
“When we raise these issues with MBI, the response is very slow. Why is it so difficult for MBI to carry out regular maintenance here, when this is supposed to be a visitor hotspot?
“We have had to take our own initiative to call in other parties to cut rotten branches that could fall at any time. Where is MBI when it comes to maintaining this area?” he said.
He added that he has already sent complaint letters to the relevant Exco members, including the mayor, seeking help to revive the now-quiet area.
“We were informed that the state government spent millions of ringgit to upgrade this area after COVID-19, but the current situation does not reflect that reality.
“The Exco, state government, or MBI, please do something to brighten this area again. Complaints have been made repeatedly, but to no avail.
“We hope for responsibility and feedback from whoever is in charge, apart from carrying out maintenance and ensuring that the lighting here is suitable for everyone’s safety,” he said.
Supporting these claims, a visitor from Selangor, Nabila Suhairy, said the atmosphere at Kinta Riverwalk is dark, and the row of empty shops with no traders makes the place feel lifeless.
“I’ve come here several times, and from afar you wouldn’t even know this is a tourist location because it’s so dark. For someone visiting alone, it’s frightening, and there aren’t any interesting spots for photos.
“It’s very different from my recent visits to neighbouring countries, where tourist areas are maintained very beautifully and well,” she said.
Rogiah Masaman from Perlis said the authorities need to brighten up the area and also carry out maintenance on the bridge there, as it is dark and dangerous for children crossing it.
Syafiqah Apandi from Tronoh acknowledged that the situation is very different compared to three years ago; now the area appears neglected despite being located in a city in Perak.
