Environmental groups want construction at iconic Ipoh Padang to stop

IPOH: Environmental groups here want a development project at the city's iconic Ipoh Padang to stop immediately.

Roslan Ali, who represented Pencinta Alam group and Buntong Action Group, said they had garnered about 135 signatures from people against the ongoing construction.

"We collected these signatures within an hour. Imagine how many we can gather if we have more time.

"We do not know what kind of construction it is but we are certain that it will damage the field's structure. The construction has been going on since Sept 16.

"To our knowledge, there is no signboard placed at the construction by the Ipoh City Council (MBI)," he told reporters when met at the state secretariat building here on Tuesday (Sept 22).

It was reported in June last year that the state plans to brighten the field with a "light and sound show" as part of efforts to boost it as a tourist attraction in Ipoh.

Roslan said the field is also in dire need of maintenance.

"The cement fence surrounding the field is in bad condition, the pavement is filled with cracked tiles and there is pigeon waste all around the water fountain area.

"The field has a history and is part of the city's historical sites. As members of the public, we are saddened with the construction and the field's condition," he said before handing in a memorandum to the Perak Mentri Besar's office.

The memorandum was received by the Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu's special officer, Mohd Jaffrey Mohd Zainol.

When contacted, MBI said they would issue a statement over the issue on Friday.

Link to: https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2019/06/25/lighting-and-livening-up-ipoh-padang