Latest news with #IpohCityCouncil
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Ipoh wins award for sustainable landscaping initiative
THE Ipoh City Council (MBI) has received the Honour Award in the Green Initiatives Award – Government Sector category at the 15th Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) recently. The award was presented during the 15th MLAA ceremony on Saturday (May 24) by Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia former president Datuk Ismail Ngah. Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah said this recognition reflects the city council's continued commitment to implementing nature-based solutions in developing sustainable and holistic urban landscapes. "The project titled 'Bamboo: A Sustainable Solution for Green Landscape' highlights bamboo as a sustainable alternative material. "It's not only used in creating landscape furniture but also integrated with shade tree planting efforts to absorb carbon, enhance urban biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of the urban heat island phenomenon," he said in his speech at the council's full board meeting on Friday (May 30). In modern landscape architecture, where sustainability is increasingly prioritised, he said landscape design has evolved beyond aesthetics to also encompass ecological functions and environmental responsibility. "This shift is driven by growing public awareness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the urgent need for development that aligns with nature. "MBI hopes this milestone will serve as a catalyst in its ongoing efforts to transform Ipoh into a smart and sustainable city by 2030, guided by innovation, sustainability and the well-being of all citizens," he said. On a separate matter, he said MBI is inviting the public to contribute ideas and suggestions for next year's budget that will support the city's competitiveness and development. "Suggestions can be submitted via the council's website or by scanning the QR code available on the city council's official portal. "These contributions will serve as key input in formulating the council's upcoming budget to better meet the needs of city residents. Submissions are open until June 30," he added. He also said recent records show that many property owners have yet to settle their assessment tax for the year, with some still owing taxes from previous years. "The council urges property owners facing financial hardship to come forward and discuss payment options to avoid enforcement action," he added. He said such action against defaulters could include the seizure of movable property. He added that a warrant fee of RM150 will be applied for arrears under RM1,000, while arrears over RM1,000 will incur a RM300 fee. In conjunction with Ipoh City's 37th anniversary celebration, he said MBI is offering a 70% discount on compounds for residents. The discount period ends on Saturday (May 31).
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Restore the sparkle to Ipoh's riverwalk
ONCE a bustling hub in the heart of the city, Kinta Riverwalk, located along the scenic Sungai Kinta in Ipoh, Perak, has lost its charm. First built in 2010 by a local developer, it underwent a RM4mil refurbishment by Ipoh City Council (MBI) in 2022, turning it into a picturesque promenade offering various attractions and activities. However, its condition has deteriorated in the past two years, leaving the area dimly lit and poorly maintained. Radiographer M. Yuvanesan, 33, expressed his dismay over the decline in popularity and the feeling of insecurity now associated with the place. 'The area is quite dark and the walkway near the river needs extra care, especially since children use it,' he said. 'It looks unkempt, like a jungle, leaving visitors feeling unsafe. 'The authorities need to upgrade the area,' said Yuvanesan. Ali Ikram, 45, a businessman who enjoys jogging along the riverbank, reminisced about the area's golden days. The first part of the Kinta Riverwalk redevelopment project covers a 1.6km stretch along the Sungai Kinta reserves between the Jalan Raja Musa Aziz bridge and Jalan Lim Bo Seng bridge. 'It used to be lively in the mornings and evenings. 'Poor maintenance has led to fewer visitors. The city council should restore this area to its former glory,' he urged. Robin Yap, 31, who manages an amusement shop offering kiddy rides, noted that business had not been the same since the initial post-Covid-19 pandemic boom. 'It was booming after the lockdown ended, but now, people prefer newer attractions elsewhere,' he said, adding that the flooring was in poor condition. 'People have slipped and fallen here, including myself. The city council needs to address this issue,' said Yap. Zaril Izaidi Jamarudin, 34, head of operations at a well-known eatery, agreed that the area had become gloomy. Cracks on the walkway near the eateries pose a hazard to visitors. 'Despite having an established market here, there is a need for a revamp. 'MBI should bring in more activities like live performances,' he suggested. Another eatery owner, who declined to be named, expressed disappointment in the lack of support from the state government and local authorities. 'Even during Visit Perak 2024, not a single event was held here. Many shops have closed down,' she lamented. 'It is supposed to be a tourist spot, but we are not being supported.' She has invested about RM300,000 in her business, struggling with maintenance costs for her ice-cream and coffee machines. 'Business is slow because there are no customers, primarily because it is too dark,' she said. 'I have installed lights on my own to show that we are still operating. 'Our customers are mainly tourists, but they have stopped coming because the place feels unsafe and abandoned at night. 'I really hope that there can be solutions to the issues we have raised,' she added. Cafe barista Muhd Aiman Hakimi, 19, had to adjust his business hours due to a lack of customers. 'Everything has slowed down. We used to earn RM3,000 a day, but now it is hard to even hit RM1,000,' he said, attributing the decline to a lack of morning crowds. 'The city council needs to revamp the area and carry out proper maintenance. 'They need to take action as this place is no longer attractive and there are fewer vendors here,' he added. The amusement park at Kinta Riverwalk used to be a hive of activity at night, butnow faces dwindling customers. Tourist attraction Kinta Riverwalk, previously known as the Kinta Riverfront Park, was built by Morubina Sdn Bhd, the developer of Kinta Riverfront Hotel and Suites. Opened in 2010, it was said to have cost about RM30mil and was meant to be one of the major tourist spots for the city. It boasted various eateries and would also have frequent bazaars selling souvenirs and other trinkets, colourful LED-lit trees and also mini replicas of famous world bridges. It had slowly declined over the years before the city council came in to redevelop the area in 2021 to complement the Ipoh Heritage Trail initiative. Muhd Ikhwan: Creativity and marketing are key to winning back customers. The refurbished area was launched in early 2022 and had glow-in-the-dark bridges, entertainment space for children and also shops selling food, arts and crafts. And as part of an effort to boost Ipoh's tourism sector, the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority was also involved in helping to redevelop the area with better pedestrian access and landscape. This redevelopment was part of the Ipoh Special Area Plan, Ipoh Walkable City and Ipoh Local Plan (2035). The project was divided into three phases, with the first part covering a 1.6km stretch along the river reserves between the Jalan Raja Musa Aziz bridge and Jalan Lim Bo Seng bridge. The second phase covered a 195m stretch between the Jalan Lim Bo Seng bridge and Jalan Sultan Idris Shah bridge, while the third phase, between Jalan Sultan Idris Shah and Lorong Hale near Ipoh Old Town, stretched to about 280m. In May 2022, there was an incident which saw a young child falling into the Kinta River while riding an electric toy car there. The child was rescued by the parents and the public. Muhd Aiman says business has slowed down. MBI had then ordered for the company to cease operations while the matter was being investigated. And since then, the number of visitors to the area started to decline. Competing or complementing? Some business owners believe the decline in foot traffic is due to stalls at the nearby DR Seenivasagam Recreational Park (Taman DR) attracting more visitors. A trader who wanted to be known only as Zulkifli, 70, noted that since the stalls began operating, visitor numbers at Kinta Riverwalk have declined. 'The riverwalk used to be lively at night. 'Ever since the city council took over the management of the area about several years ago, it has gone downhill,' he said. A 45-year-old business owner highlighted the difficulty of surviving amid competition. One of the bridges at the Kinta Riverwalk which used to have glow-in-the-dark features. The mayor says the bridge will be decorated with lights. 'We pay about RM2,000 in rent, but at Taman DR, they have lower rent and better business,' she pointed out. 'We used to have 14 shops, but now only five remain open. 'We tried our own marketing, but it is not enough. The crowd just isn't there anymore. 'Rainy days are even worse. No one shows up... we may only see some people during school holidays,' she added. The business owner also said that people were afraid to visit the area due to its unsafe environment. 'The area is surrounded by large trees, and during heavy rain or strong winds, we feel scared. Once, a massive tree fell and damaged the bridge. 'One of the bridges, which was initially glow-in-the-dark, has lost its feature and I feel that it needs to be maintained or given a fresh coat of paint to attract more visitors,' she added. She also believes the rental spaces should be opened up to more than just food vendors. 'We need stalls for crafts and other cultural products to attract tourists and to make it more diverse. Yuvanesan says the riverwalk looks unkempt, like a jungle, leaving visitors feeling unsafe. 'It could be turned into a proper tourist spot if well-kept,' she added. However, not all traders believe that Kinta Riverwalk's unpopularity is due to competition. Barber Hasan Albasri Bukhari, 24, said the stalls at Taman DR were not the reason for Kinta Riverwalk's lack of business. 'I think those stalls (at Taman DR) have nothing to do with it; rather, I think they are helping to bring visitors here. After eating there, people would come and visit this area. 'People want new experiences and anything that goes viral grabs their attention,' he said. 'Perhaps, this place doesn't attract anymore like how it used to as it is quite old and has nothing much to offer,' he added. Site supervisor Muhd Ikhwan Ahmad Sabki, 28, believes creativity and marketing are key to winning back customers. 'Businesses need to adapt. Social media platforms like TikTok can be used to attract people,' he said. 'Get customers to review your cafe. Do something new.' Plans to revitalise Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah confirmed efforts were underway to revitalise Kinta Riverwalk. Zaril Izaidi: The city council should bring in more activities like live performances. 'We have conducted several site visits and have taken note of issues brought up, especially on the lack of lighting. 'The area is quite dark and appears unsafe, which may explain why it is not drawing as many visitors,' he said when met at the city council's executive talk this week. To improve visitors' experience, he said MBI planned to instal compound lighting in selected areas to enhance safety and appeal. As for the bridge, he said it was initially designed with a glow-in-the-dark concept, but public feedback indicated a preference for decorative lighting instead. 'So, we will shift towards a more welcoming lighting concept to make the area feel safer. 'We will also look into improving the flooring in the area. 'Our team will go back on the ground to conduct further checks,' he said. Zamakhshari said stalls along the riverbank remained available for rent, with rental rates unchanged since 2020. 'We are open to craft or souvenir vendors, as they help promote Ipoh. 'The Kinta Riverwalk was originally designed to include both food stalls and craft or souvenir shops, but demand has shifted post-pandemic towards more food and beverage operators,' he said. Regarding competition from Taman DR stalls, he said they served as complementary features to the Kinta Riverwalk. He added that stall operators at Taman DR also paid a fee to operate there.
Barnama
25-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
MBI Wins Honour Award For Green Landscape Initiative
IPOH, May 25 (Bernama) -- Ipoh City Council's (MBI) Department of Parks and Landscape received the Honour Award in the Green Initiatives Award – Government Sector category at the 15th Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) last night. In a statement today, MBI said the recognition was for its Bamboo: A Sustainable Solution for Green Landscape project. The award, presented by former president of the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia, Datuk LAr Ismail Ngah, acknowledges MBI's proactive role in championing holistic and progressive nature-based landscaping approaches aligned with national aspirations. 'This achievement is a catalyst for MBI's continued efforts to realise Ipoh's vision as a Smart and Sustainable City by 2030, driven by innovation, sustainability and community well-being,' the statement read. MBI added that the recognition reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), promoting sustainable and inclusive urban landscape development. According to the council, the NBS promotes bamboo as a sustainable alternative material, not only for landscape furniture, but also integrated with shade tree planting to support carbon absorption. 'This initiative enhances urban biodiversity and helps mitigate the urban heat island effect,' the council said in a statement. MBI noted that in today's era of modern landscape architecture, where sustainability is a core principle, landscape design goes beyond aesthetics to encompass ecological function and environmental responsibility. The council added that this shift is driven by growing public awareness of climate change, biodiversity loss and the urgent need for development that harmonises with nature.
The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
Give leeway for outdoor dining, say Ipoh eateries
WALK along some of the busiest commercial areas in Ipoh and you will likely see diners seated on plastic chairs with foldable tables set up along the five-foot way. While such seating arrangements may be welcomed by customers who enjoy dining in the open air, some question whether it should be allowed. Syarifa says hygiene can be an issue when dining in open space Syarifa Shahul, who manages an Indian Muslim eatery along Jalan Tun Sambanthan, said restaurant operators should avoid occupying the five-foot way outside their premises. Apart from adhering to the law, Syarifa said food operators should take into consideration the health and safety of customers. 'Personally, I don't agree with seating customers outside the eatery's premises. 'Hygiene can be an issue in open spaces, as birds or cats may just eat the leftover food,' she said when met. She said it could also be risky, especially for families with children, as some eateries offered outdoor dining on the roadside. 'There will be vehicles passing by. 'Sometimes, there are also drains with no covers,' she added. Syarifa said while the Ipoh City Council (MBI) allowed outdoor seating at night, she believed it would be safer to sit inside the restaurant. 'When possible, I believe customers should eat inside the premises,' she said in urging eateries to comply with the law. Last month, a video clip of a confrontation between city council enforcement officers and several people at an eatery in Taman Rasi Jaya, Menglembu, went viral. Al fresco dining is favoured by many customers in Ipoh. According to the police, early investigations found that a restaurant worker began acting aggressively towards an enforcement officer and the team who were attempting to seize the eatery's furniture from a five-foot way, following a notice from MBI's Health Department. The worker had allegedly uttered vulgar words and tried to obstruct the officers from performing their duties, said Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad. One of the officers was also punched by the individual. The matter has since been resolved amicably, Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said. Need to comply with rules Mohd Hassan Mohd Kadar, a supervisor for a restaurant in Gunung Rapat, said eateries that wanted to occupy the five-foot way must obtain a permit from the city council. 'If you have a permit, then fine. If not, apply for one. Don't occupy it illegally,' he said. Mohd Hassan acknowledged that most customers preferred to sit along the five-foot way because it would be cooler, compared to dining inside a restaurant which sometimes could get stuffy and hot. 'The city council has every right to issue summonses to eateries if they do not have permits,' he added. Lee urges enforcement officers not to be too harsh when carrying out their duties. Coffeeshop owner Lee Wah Woh noted that some traders took it too far. 'Some even set up tents, tables and chairs in carparks. 'It is dangerous, especially when cars come too close to where customers are dining,' he said. While agreeing that MBI should enforce the law, Lee said officers should not be too harsh and should allow some leeway. 'Maybe they should issue a warning letter before seizing tables and chairs,' he suggested. He said larger eateries usually avoided using the five-foot way, and would instead rent adjacent lots for additional seating. 'It is okay if the operator is able to get a permit, but they should not set up tents anywhere they like,' he said. Char kuey teow hawker Joe Tung called for consistent enforcement. 'If the city council wants to take action, it should do it across the board, not just at one shop or eatery. 'I was sad to hear about the recent scuffle between enforcement officers and a few people at an eatery in Menglembu. 'I hope that the rules apply equally to all restaurants,' he said. Limited space for dining indoors is often cited by restaurants that put tables and chairs on the five-foot way. Expanding seating Another noodle seller, who wanted to be known only as Chan, said many small traders felt pressured to expand their seating, just to keep their business afloat. 'If small eateries don't expand, they won't have enough customers due to the limited seating. 'Most businesses don't want to turn away customers,' he said. 'Not many customers choose to take away their food. During peak hours, most people prefer to dine in. 'So to meet demand, most eateries occupy these spaces outside,' he added. Taxi driver M. Kumar said outdoor seating was a practical solution to limited space indoor. 'Some shops are too cramped inside and customers prefer sitting outside,' he said. Kumar, however, said the elderly and disabled might face difficulties accessing shops if tables and chairs blocked the five-foot way. 'People in wheelchairs cannot pass through either. 'Operators must consider the need to keep walking spaces unobstructed, especially when it rains,' he stressed. Salesman Kong Ywai Yin opined that it should not be an issue for eateries to occupy the five-foot way but the business operators must get a permit from the local council. 'I think occupying the five-foot walkway should be okay, but not parking bays outside the premises,' he said. Kong also said that seizing of tables and chairs by enforcement officers would be reasonable if the operators of premises did not have permits and had been given prior warning. Face the consequences Site supervisor Muhd Ikhwan Ahmad Sabki said that once an eatery received a warning, it was an acknowledgement that an offence had been committed. 'That is the time to find a solution, to avoid further action (from the authorities),' he said, adding that rules to occupy the five-foot way would have been clearly outlined by the local council. 'They should apply for a permit to use the walkway,' he said. Muhd Ikhwan said eateries that failed to comply should be prepared to face the consequences and not blame enforcement officers for doing their job. 'If action is taken, just accept it. Don't be angry with the enforcement officers, they are just doing their job,' he said. Teacher Noor Ainol Syazwan, said that while it was understandable that eateries needed extra space, it would only be right that they adhered to the law. 'Business owners should be responsible and act accordingly,' she said. Win-win solutions Ng urges business owners to engage proactively with the local authority. When contacted, Ng said that approval for the use of the five-foot way, side lane and adjacent open spaces was limited to licensed food premises. 'Usage is permitted from 7pm to 3am, subject to valid permit approval. 'Other types of businesses are not allowed to place tables and chairs in these areas,' she said. 'Five-foot ways are areas that are designated as public pedestrian walkways and must remain clear unless official approval has been granted. 'Under Section 46(1)(a) of the Local Government Act 1976, it is an offence to cause obstruction in public areas including five-foot ways, roads, footpaths or drains without written permission from the local authority. 'Violations may result in fines, seizure and removal of the obstructions as well as prosecution for repeat or serious offences,' she said. Ng said enforcement action might be taken without prior notice in cases of clear non-compliance. 'Among the valid grounds for seizure of furniture,' she said, 'are the absence of a valid permit, breach of permit conditions, and placement of furniture beyond designated areas. 'Other grounds where action may be taken include obstruction of public access or creation of safety hazards and continued non-ompliance despite verbal or written warnings,' she said. In response to complaints by some coffeeshop operators who cited space constraints as a reason for using the five-foot way, Ng encouraged them to apply for a permit to legalise the usage of these spaces. 'They should consider maximising their internal shop layout to increase seating and explore the use of shared common dining areas with neighbouring vendors if possible. 'They should also consider expanding into adjacent units or relocating to larger premises,' she suggested. Ng also advised operators to consider takeaway, pre-order or delivery models to reduce their dependence on dine-in customers. 'Always apply for the relevant permits and understand their terms and conditions. 'Engage proactively with the local authority, especially when operating in space-constrained areas. 'Respecting public spaces and ensuring pedestrian accessibility not only supports compliance but also fosters positive community relations,' she added.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ipoh City Council staff urged to become exemplary, high-performing role models
State housing and local government chairman Sandra Ng (middle) presents awards to the council staff during the council employee awarding programme. IPOH: Ipoh City Council (MBI) staff must strive to become high-performing knowledge workers or 'K-workers' who set the standard for other local authorities, says an exco member. Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said knowledgeable, creative, and committed personnel are essential to the city council's success. Ng stressed that development initiatives and strategic planning are equally vital to shaping Ipoh. 'The City Council's role extends beyond cleaning drains, collecting rubbish and cutting grass, but also encompasses city development and the enhancement of human capital. 'MBI is not just here to solve basic municipal problems. It plays a much larger role in driving development, improving services, and elevating Ipoh's status as a city we can all be proud of,' she said in her speech at the city council's excellent service award event held at a hotel here on Thursday (May 15). Ng also congratulated the 236 recipients of the award, calling them role models, and praised the council for its tireless commitment to maintaining a clean and livable city. She said the council's cleaning staff were noted for working late into the night to ensure cleanliness levels remained optimal, an effort seen as essential ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'Between January 1 and Dec 31 last year, MBI undertook extensive efforts including cleaning 30,892 metres of drains, clearing 6,837 illegal dumping sites, and disposing of 223,672.63 tonnes of domestic waste. 'MBI also organised 101 gotong-royong sessions, installed 2,024 'no littering' signs, and issued 1,444 compounds worth RM373,250 to litterbugs,' she said. Ng reiterated the importance of strong leadership continuity within the council to drive further achievements, stating that such leadership would guide Ipoh toward becoming a smart, prosperous, and sustainable city. Also present was Ipoh City Council secretary Ahmad Munir Ishak, who said that 176 excellent service award recipients would each receive an incentive of RM1,000 in the form of a Bank Simpanan Nasional Premium Savings Certificate, a certificate of appreciation, and a commemorative gold coin. Meanwhile, 60 recipients of the excellent proficiency award would receive a RM400 Bank Simpanan Nasional Premium Savings Certificate and a certificate of appreciation.
