Pasir Putih market ravaged in a fire on Feb 13. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
TRADERS at Pasir Putih wet market in Ipoh, Perak that was razed in a fire, will be allowed to trade near the site temporarily once cleaning works are carried out.
Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee said this was a short-term solution before a temporary market was built in May.
Lee said Ipoh City Council (MBI) had informed him that tents for traders would be placed at the site by March 24.
He said MBI could not carry out cleaning works until the Fire and Rescue Department, insurance company and adjusters had completed the necessary procedures.
“Less than 48 hours after the fire, the 72 traders at the site received RM2,500 each from the government,” Lee told reporters in Ipoh.
“We understand that they have lost their income and some had purchased stock for which payment had yet to be made.”
On Feb 13, the 67-year-old market was razed in a midnight fire.
Lee said over 90% of the market structure had been damaged.
He said the temporary market would be located in an open field, about 100m from the destroyed site.
“As it will take at least three months before traders can move into the temporary site, they asked if they could, in the meantime, trade at the old site as they cannot afford to lose their income.
“Hopefully, by this week all the necessary parties are able to settle whatever is required so MBI can clean the site.
“Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming is also trying to fast track the construction of a new market at the original site,” he added.
On the cause of the fire, Lee said he would leave it to the department to announce its findings once investigations were completed.
