The carpark in Ipoh’s Jalan Dato Maharajalela has been closed since January 2023. — Photos: RONNIE CHIN and ANNABELLE LAWRENCE/The Star
IPOH folk want a multistorey carpark in Ipoh Old Town, Perak, to be refurbished and reopened, as they point out the lack of parking in the area.
Many motorists and traders have expressed frustration that the facility, located in Jalan Dato Maharajalela and owned by Ipoh City Council (MBI), is not usable.
The lack of parking spots gets worse whenever there are events at Ipoh Padang nearby, they tell StarMetro.
They say reopening the carpark will alleviate congestion in the area.
Meanwhile, an activist says the facility, the country’s first multi-level structure, should be given a new lease of life.
Parking woes
Parking in the old town becomes worse whenever there is an event at Ipoh Padang (left).
Food shop manager Amirul Asyraf Nora said finding parking was a challenge, especially during peak hours and whenever events were held in the vicinity.
“It is already very difficult to find parking in this area and it becomes even harder when there are events at Ipoh Padang.
“If the multistorey carpark can be repaired and reopened, it will ease the problem for everyone.
“Now, we have to keep driving in circles just to find a spot.
“An operational carpark will benefit both locals and tourists and help reduce traffic congestion,” he added.
Mary Michael, who works in housekeeping, emphasised the need for additional parking in the area which is surrounded by banks and other business premises.
“There are so many offices here and everyone struggles to find parking. Motorists often have to wait in their cars for a long time before a spot opens up,” she said, adding that reopening the building would make it more convenient for workers and visitors alike.
Flashback to StarMetro report on Jan 27, 2023.
Graphic designer Saiful Hashim said the carpark building had been left unused for far too long and should either be repaired or repurposed.
“It has been vacant for years and something should be done about it.
“If repairs are not feasible, the authorities should consider demolishing it and building an open-air carpark.
“The upper floors of the building are dark and it feels unsafe.
“If it could be made functional, this will ease the parking shortage,” he said.
The carpark closed in January 2023 for repairs due to safety concerns, and the building has been unused since then. Some Ipoh folk say the structure feels unsafe.
Assistant kindergarten teacher S. Valli said Ipoh’s parking woes had also affected tourists.
“If this carpark is reopened, it will bring relief.
“Right now, like the locals, tourists struggle to find parking and some end up getting fined for illegal parking.
“Reopening the building could help prevent motorists from getting summonses,” she added.
Auditor Siti Aishah Tuah said she currently paid RM50 each month to park at Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II.
“It is such a hassle to find parking in that area, so I park at the mosque located about 500m from my workplace.
“It is cheaper and less troublesome than trying to look for parking,” she said, adding that the multistorey carpark gave her the creeps.
“I have even seen a monkey near the building and I am not sure what other animals might be lurking inside,” said Siti Aishah.
“If it is reopened, major work is needed before a reliable parking system can be implemented,” she added.
The Perak capital needs more parking to cater to workers and visitors.
Food trader S. Thiagu believes it is high time the authorities took action to restore the underutilised building.
“Reopening this carpark would make a huge difference.
“The roads are congested and people are struggling to find a place to park.
“MBI should take action instead of letting the building remain abandoned,” said Thiagu.
First of its kind
Ipoh City Watch president Dr Richard Ng said the three-level carpark held historical significance as Malaysia’s first multistorey parking facility.
Amirul Asyraf: It would be good if the multistorey carpark could be repaired and reopened.
He said the structure was completed in 1962 at a cost of $100,000 (Malaya and British Borneo dollars) and was a pioneering facility.
“It represented a milestone in Malaysia’s urban planning and development,” he said.
The carpark was closed in January 2023 for repairs due to safety concerns, he further said.
“Unfortunately, nothing seems to be happening, though I understand that there have been various visits and reports by city council engineers.
“Some say it is dangerous because there are structural defects, which will cost a huge amount of money to repair.”
Ng, a former city councillor, said the matter was brought up several times and it was proposed that the structure be demolished and turned into a multi-purpose hall.
“I objected to the plan to demolish it as this would wipe out a piece of Ipoh’s history and heritage.
“There was a proposal to refurbish the premises by having an open-air cafe on the roof while maintaining the carpark on the ground and first floor.”
Ng says the carpark should not be demolished as it has historical value.
In a previous report, Ng said that before the 15th General Election, MBI had hired a consultant to inspect the carpark.
“A report was presented in October 2022 where the cost of restoring the building was estimated at RM2mil.
“The city council had opened it for tender bids but there were no takers,” he said.
He hopes MBI will refurbish the facility instead of demolishing it.
“As Malaysia’s first multistorey carpark, it has historical value. Thus, restoring it could make it a heritage landmark.
“Renovating it may also be a cheaper option than demolishing and rebuilding a new one.”
He said the building could be modernised with better lighting, safety features and an automated payment system.
“Turning the carpark into a cafe and selling local products would also be a great option.”
Ng noted that the carpark was located in the Colonial Heritage Trail area and within walking distance of Ipoh Town Hall, the High Court building, railway station and Lorong Panglima, better known as Concubine Lane.
“This area can even be turned into a pedestrian zone. People can park further away and admire the heritage here on foot,” he added.
When met, then Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said MBI was in talks with a private company to refurbish the disused carpark into a commercial centre with parking.
“A strategic partnership has already been established with the company. I hope we can expedite it,” he had said.
Valli: Reopening the building will help prevent motorists from getting summonses.
New carpark on the horizon
Meanwhile, construction of a new multi-level carpark beside Sungai Kinta is set to start.
In reply to a query from StarMetro, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the groundbreaking ceremony for the parking complex was expected to be held on April 25.
The four-storey facility will have a colonial design to complement pre-war buildings in the surrounding area.
Nga said the RM13.4mil parking complex would be able to accommodate 376 cars, and include commercial units on the ground floor and space for a rooftop restaurant or bar to attract tourists.
It is expected to be completed in two years.
StarMetro had first reported in Jan 27, 2023, plans to build the facility.
In the report, the ministry had identified a proposed location, likely behind the Han Chin Pet Soo building in Ipoh Old Town.
Also known as Han Chin Villa, the building, which houses the Hakka Tin Mining Museum, is located on Jalan Bijeh Timah.
The report quoted stakeholders as welcoming the news, as they said the area was constantly congested, especially on weekends, while bays were taken up by office workers on weekdays.
