By Aida Aziz
IPOH: Traders at the Tanjung Rambutan Market food court here have been operating without lights and fans for more than three weeks following the theft of electrical cables by irresponsible individuals.
Ipoh City Council (MBI) Chief Whip Datuk Mazlan Abd Rahman said the cable theft had disrupted the electricity supply, affecting the traders’ daily operations.
“This morning, I visited the Tanjung Rambutan Market food court to inspect complaints received from traders regarding the power outage caused by cable theft.
“I was informed that the incident occurred when thieves broke into the premises and stole the electrical cables.
“As a result, traders have been forced to operate without lights and fans for more than three weeks. Imagine the difficulties they face while trying to continue their daily business under such conditions.
“I was accompanied by MBI Electrical Engineer Roslin, an assistant technician and Azman, the market caretaker.
“Our visit was to assess the situation firsthand. I was informed that the matter had been referred to the relevant authorities, with the estimated cost of repairing and restoring the electrical system amounting to about RM80,000,” he said on Thursday.
Mazlan added that, apart from efforts to restore the electricity supply, he would request that the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the market be considered to improve security and help prevent similar incidents from recurring.
During the visit, he also inspected the premises and heard other complaints, including damaged tables and chairs, as well as men entering the women’s prayer room.
“All these issues require attention and appropriate action to ensure the market facilities are more comfortable, orderly and safe for traders and visitors.
“I understand the difficulties faced by traders who depend on their daily business for their livelihood. God willing, I will continue to bring these complaints to the relevant authorities and work towards expediting the necessary solutions.
“We listen to traders’ complaints, inspect their problems and work towards taking action. May the repair process proceed smoothly so that traders can resume business in more comfortable conditions,” he said.
