Stakeholders call for action to restore dilapidated properties, protect city’s heritage
WHILE Ipoh’s old buildings help preserve the charm and history of Perak’s capital city, those left abandoned or poorly maintained have become an eyesore, particularly in the bustling old town district.
One such property, left unoccupied, is the former clinic of the late Dr Wu Lien-Teh on Jalan Sultan Idris Shah.
Dr Wu (1879-1960) was a renowned physician credited with developing the multi-layer gauze mask during the Manchurian plague.
His invention is considered a pre-cursor to the N95 mask.
Those who spoke to StarMetro said neglected buildings could
be given a new lease of life through restoration and adaptive reuse, which could benefit both the community and nearby businesses.
Abandoned properties
Clinic nurse Elaine Loke, 59, who works near Dr Wu’s former premises, said several buildings in the area had been abandoned for more than a decade.
“Cables have been left dangling, and these affect telephone and Internet connections.
“Some buildings are also overgrown with vegetation and trees.
“They are an eyesore in a tourist area,” she said.
Loke said that suspected drug users were often seen loitering around, raising safety concerns.
“I have seen people trying to enter the vacant premises.
“Those of us working here worry about our safety,” she said, expressing hope that the buildings would be rejuvenated soon.
A businessman, who only wanted to be known as Lim, said the authorities should compel owners to maintain their properties, particularly those near popular attractions and eateries.
“Owners should be made to clear and maintain their premises, or consider leasing them out for other uses such as tourism-related activities,” he said.
He suggested Ipoh City Council carry out the necessary maintenance work and bill owners for the cost.
“It is sad to see tourists coming here and finding these buildings in such a state,” he said.
Buildings in Little India
In the Little India commercial area, business owners have raised concerns over another abandoned property on Jalan Sultan Yussof.
Shopkeeper K. Jayakumar, 32, said the vacant building next to his premises was a breeding ground for rats, cockroaches and other pests.
“I even spotted a snake slithering out of the building last year. Mosquitoes are also a nuisance, especially during rainy seasons.
“We have even engaged pest control services,” he said.
Jayakumar said the problem was compounded by passers-by dumping rubbish near the building, despite repeated pleas for them to stop.
He said attempts to contact the private owner about taking over the premises had been unsuccessful.
“The authorities should speak to the owner about clearing and restoring the place before considering to lease it out.
“It is unsightly in an area frequented by tourists,” he added.
Restaurant owner G. Siva, 50, whose eatery is opposite the building, said the property could be converted into an open-concept or rooftop eatery.
“I have also contacted the owner but have not received any response.
“The building should be cleaned up and preserved.
“Although it is very old, it has potential for a new purpose,” he said, expressing hope the authorities would talk to the owner.
Architectural character
Property agent Liew Yen Siang, 51, said more efforts were needed to preserve Ipoh’s old buildings while retaining their original architectural features and cultural character.
“Repaint these buildings and turn them into destinations for tourists to explore, or organise activities to attract visitors.
“Penang has many well-preserved old buildings. Ipoh could adopt similar measures to keep its heritage sites attractive and clean,” Liew added.
Retired lecturer Mohd Hishamuddin Arif, 60, called on the authorities, including the city council, to inspect old buildings and identify those in need of restoration.
“Some of these buildings look abandoned. Those responsible should take the necessary steps to preserve them.
“Take the shop unit associated with Dr Wu Lien-Teh, for example. Signboards explaining its history would be of interest to tourists,” he said.
Mohd Hishamuddin said the authorities should assess ways to conserve these properties, suggesting a setup of interactive displays or mini galleries, while encouraging tourism operators to explore their potential.
Bank consumer marketing communications and activation vice-president Fitzrie Baharom, 46, from Kuala Lumpur, said Ipoh’s colonial-era buildings reflected its history but many needed better care.
“While some buildings have been restored, many other historic sites still need urgent attention and preservation,” he said.
He was surprised to learn about Dr Wu’s connection to Ipoh, having previously associated the city mainly with its prominence during the tin-mining boom.
Fitzrie hopes more will be done to document stories behind historic buildings, noting that they reflect the city’s former glory and achievements.
“Such stories are important to inspire future generations.”
He also urged residents and visitors to share stories and photographs of heritage sites, on social media, to encourage more people to visit these places.
Families, he said, should also pass on stories to younger generations, while community initiatives such as weekend cleanups could help care for these sites.
Fitzrie said Perak government also has a role in promoting Ipoh’s historical significance, particularly Dr Wu’s contribution to the development of the modern face mask.
“If people in Ipoh themselves do not know that this is where the modern face mask was developed, what about those from elsewhere in Malaysia?
“The invention and the inventor’s name deserve to be mentioned somewhere,” he said.
Acknowledging the costs involved in restoring heritage buildings, Fitzrie referred to the conservation of Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad in Kuala Lumpur by Khazanah Nasional as an example of what could be achieved.
He said it would be good if Khazanah Nasional could invest in conservation efforts in other historic properties across the country.
Tourism potential
Taiwanese tour guide Eric Yang, 42, said restoring Dr Wu’s former clinic and telling his story could benefit Perak’s tourism sector.
He said the property had potential to become an attraction for international visitors interested in Dr Wu’s life and work.
“With better management and information, it could become a must-visit site in Ipoh,” he said.
Heritage trail guide S. Sundralingam said owners of abandoned buildings should take greater responsibility for their properties, including appointing agents to sell or lease them out, or exploring redevelopment.
He referred to the former Yau Tet Shin Circular Market, which was redeveloped into a multi-storey condominium, and a former Chinese opera theatre in Ipoh Old Town converted into a furniture warehouse and then an eatery.
Sundralingam proposed bringing heritage organisations, residents, property stewards and trustees together to discuss the future of the heritage buildings.
“This could help spur action and focus attention on saving the past for the future.”
He also suggested Ipoh City Council identify buildings at risk and establish a preservation trust to facilitate redevelopment.
As for Dr Wu’s former clinic, the physician’s family and heritage organisations could work together to preserve his legacy, said Sundralingam.
He cited the Sun Yat Sen Museum on Lebuh Armenian, Penang, as a possible model, while suggesting Dr Wu’s former clinic could house historical photographs, medical instruments and exhibits documenting the doctor’s contributions to public health in Ipoh and China.
Sundralingam called for more security cameras, public cooperation in reporting offences, and stricter penalties for abandoned buildings in Little India.
He also urged the authorities to educate the public on health risks of indiscriminate rubbish disposal and the importance of recycling.
Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said the city council would look into the issues raised.
It would also identify the private owners of the properties and follow up on the abandoned buildings, she added.
