IPOH: A multi-storey car park and a public market are among the long-term development projects planned by the Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) to improve infrastructure around Ipoh, says its minister, Nga Kor Ming.

Nga said during his visit to the Ipoh Old Town area and the Kepayang state constituency, he found the locals seeking many changes.

"I have instructed Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin to submit a plan for the development of a multi-storey car park in Ipoh Old Town to overcome the problem of congestion that has plagued tourists and local residents for a long time.

"Next year, KPKT will also carry out work to upgrade and repair the Ipoh Central Market, the condition of which is currently deemed to be unsatisfactory. I did a low-key visit and found many problems such as the cleanliness, lights and leaking roofs that need to be overcome," he said.

Nga, who is also Kepayang state assemblyman was speaking during a press conference in conjunction with the inauguration of the constituency's service centre here yesterday, which was also attended by the Minister of Human Resources, V. Sivakumar.


Nga said he also held a discussion with Rumaizi regarding the Waller Court flats here - among the oldest in Malaysia - which were found in a poor and dilapidated condition, requiring renovations.

"Ipoh City Council will submit a redevelopment plan for this area so that it becomes a landmark, in line with the image of Ipoh City, which we need to protect together," he said.

In the meantime, the Teluk Intan MP said the project to reconstruct the Pinji Market which was originally built in 1959, will be resumed after it was cancelled by the previous government.

"After visiting and seeing the dilapidated condition, I agreed for a new, modern market to be built in Pasir Pinji, and I hope it can be completed by 2025 or 2026," he said.

-- BERNAMA