By: Aida Aziz
BATU GAJAH: Improvements to the floor structure, as well as the installation and upgrading of safety railings, are being planned to enhance safety standards at the Batu Gajah Public Market.
The move comes following an incident involving a market visitor who slipped and broke his arm.
In a statement, the Batu Gajah District Council (MDBG) said representatives from the Gopeng MP’s office, along with MDBG councillors and the technical team, visited the victim at his home.
“The victim reportedly slipped while descending the third step in the market area.
“Although a railing had been provided, the floor surface was found to be slippery due to accumulated water.
“As a result of the incident, the victim sustained a broken arm and is currently receiving follow-up treatment with an orthopaedic specialist at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB),” the statement said.
MDBG will also review improvements to the water drainage mechanism on the floor surface, especially in the area between the fish and vegetable traders, to prevent similar incidents.
In the near term, an engagement session with traders will be held to ensure market cleanliness is maintained, including enforcement actions such as seizing business items placed in ways that obstruct walkways.
During the visit, the victim also received assistance from the representative of the Gopeng MP.
MDBG has further informed the victim of proposed infrastructure upgrades for the Batu Gajah Public Market.
Additionally, the victim was told that related aid from the relevant agencies would be coordinated through the Gopeng MP’s office.
It is understood that a similar incident occurred in August 2024. According to MDBG, the original tiles were textured, but have been worn down and become slippery due to water exposure and cleaning activities by nearby traders.
