By Aida Aziz
IPOH: More than five years on, the roof at Gerbang Malam remains incomplete despite earlier promises that it would be fully constructed, said one of the traders, Anuar Mohamad.
Anuar claimed that the unfinished roof had been an ongoing issue, affecting traders and visitors, particularly during heavy rain.
He said he had been forced to close his clothing stall whenever there was heavy rain as his trading area had no shelter, unlike other sections of Gerbang Malam.
“I hope the relevant state Exco will expedite the construction of the roof in the sections that are still without shelter, as we have been waiting for a long time.
“We also hope that the Ipoh City Council (MBI) will pay attention to the problems we are facing here, as Gerbang Malam is a popular destination for visitors.
“Please understand how difficult it is for small traders to earn a living, especially during the rainy season when the trading area itself is not very comfortable,” he said.
Previously, state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng said the issue of the unfinished roof at Gerbang Malam had never been neglected by either the state government or MBI.
She said the issue involved relatively extensive work and costs.
Sandrea had previously explained that applications for additional allocations had been made over the past several years.
She said whenever funding was secured, the relevant works would be carried out in stages.
