CONTROVERSIAL OVER IPOH PADANG (PART 2)

 

IPOH: The Perak State Government will go on with the construction of the Light and Sound Fountain at the Ipoh Padang despite protest from the Ipoh folks, here.

The construction work had already started on September 2, and completion is expected on Jan 11, 2021.

The Light and Sound Fountain will be the first of its kind in Malaysia whereby it will showcase 20 minutes of performance, available only on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

DATUK NORLEE ASHILIN (THIRD FROM LEFT), DATUK BANDAR DATUK RUMAIZI BAHARIN (CENTRE) POSING WITH THE IPOH FOLKS (OBJECTOR) OF THE FOUNTAIN PROJECTS

 

State Housing, Local Government, Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Norlee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi assured the people that the fountain was one of the new attractions which focused on beautification of the Ipoh Padang, without destroying the heritage value around the areas.

“The project is also to increase night activities in Old Town which will also help improve businesses of traders, here,” she said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Bandar Datuk Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud said the construction of the fountain is on the way, and Ipoh City Council (MBI) would take into consideration of the refurbishing the floor tiles, side walk, public toilets, painting of wall and broken brick fence among others, apart from carrying out renovation works at Ipoh Padang. 

 

HERITAGE TOURISM PACKAGE 1A PLAN

 

On the other hand, a representative from the community S. Narenthra Rao, from Merdeka Garden said that there were 135 people who had signed a petition against the construction and completion of Ipoh Heritage Tourism Package 1A, which involved giving a facelift to Ipoh Padang.

Rao voiced out the dissatisfaction of the people on the construction of the fountain, and asked the state government whether is there  a need for another fountain in Old Town area; what is the purpose of the fountain and how sure is it that MBI can maintain a cost of RM100,000 per year, for one fountain.

 “There are already two existing fountains in Old Town area, and a total of six fountain in Ipoh City”, he said adding that the protest would continue if the people do not get a satisfactory answer from the state government.

Currently, Ipoh Padang is undergoing the layering works for its Projection Mapping System, which include the upgrading of control rooms, public utilities, plaza and landscape.

The Light and Sound project will be funded and developed by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) costing about RM5 million.