By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH — The severely damaged and poorly maintained pedestrian walkway at the Greentown Commercial Centre here poses a serious safety risk to the public, particularly to pedestrians who use the route daily.
A site inspection by Ipoh Echo/Perak found that at least one drain cover is missing, while several others are dislodged and uneven. In addition, the side structure of the walkway has cracked and broken, further compromising safety.
The situation is considered highly dangerous, especially for the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), as it could cause pedestrians to trip, fall, or plunge into the exposed drain, particularly at night or during rainy conditions.
More concerning is the fact that the pedestrian walkway is located opposite a vehicle parking area that transforms into a food vending zone in the late afternoon, attracting large numbers of visitors. If repairs are not carried out promptly, the damaged walkway could pose a serious hazard due to the increased movement of people, especially during peak evening hours.
Observations also revealed overgrown vegetation and visible rubbish inside the drain, a condition that could lead to blockages and subsequently flash floods if regular cleaning is not undertaken.
Members of the public and nearby traders described the situation as unacceptable, noting that the area is one of the city’s key public spaces and a frequently used pedestrian route.
In this regard, Ipoh City Council (MBI) has been urged to take immediate action by repairing the damaged walkway, replacing missing and uneven drain covers, and clearing overgrown vegetation and rubbish from the drains to ensure public safety and comfort.
Swift action is necessary to prevent any untoward incidents and to safeguard Ipoh’s image as a tourist-friendly and pedestrian-friendly city.
