IPOH: The Ipoh City Council has been putting efforts to upgrade the popular Gerbang Malam night market here, says Sandrea Ng Shy Ching.

       The state housing and local government committee chairman said plans and works began following the allocation of RM2.6mil from the federal government in 2019.

       A 185m-long shade structure was set up in April along Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, where Gerbang Malam operates, with the extra cost of RM300,000 paid by the council.

       “This is only Phase One of the whole project because the allocation was only enough for this.

       “The council is waiting for new allocation to construct another 171m-long of the shade structure. It has submitted an application to the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry,” she said.

       Ng was responding to traders’ complaints that a certain stretch of the road is not covered by the shade structure, causing them to lose business during the rainy season.

       She said Phase 2 of the project would involve roof installation, electrical work for the heli fans and a pedestrian walkway.

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       “The council has also applied to the Housing and Local Development Ministry for a smaller sum under the development division.

       “The council is trying its best to help upgrade the facilities at Gerbang Malam. The upgrading project has to go in phases because it involves huge allocations.

       “There is definitely no issue of favoring some of the vendors while neglecting others.

       “I hope that there will be no more misunderstandings, and all parties involved can work together in overcoming any obstacles,” she added.