After referendum says aye, Perak MB says still undecided on rebuilding wet market

IPOH: The state government still needs to discuss whether the Pasir Pinji wet market should be rebuilt even after a referendum in which most voted yes, says Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

He said the state would still need to evaluate and decide what was best for the people following a two-day public voting process held over the weekend.

"We are aware that majority of those who voted agreed to rebuild it.

"But as government, we need to make the right decision for the people," he told reporters after attending the state secretariat Hari Raya open house on Wednesday (June 26).

"It's like how a mother would need to decide the best for her children.

"We will evaluate and decide whether to build or not," he added.

It was reported that some 1,715 city folk turned out to vote over the matter, with about 94%, or 1,615 people, being in support of rebuilding the market.

There were 99 votes against and one spoilt vote.

The public voting process was called by Pasir Pinji assemblyman Howard Lee to allow city folk to determine the fate of the market.

Ahmad Faizal said the state wanted to hear the opinions of the market traders.

He said the traders' input on design of the market, the construction costing and budget would need to be deliberated.

He also said that the public voting was not a referendum and that Lee's office had used the wrong word.

"It's just a study to get feedback from the people on whether to rebuild the market or not," he added.