IPOH: The Sungai Bayor Morning Market in Selama made history when it was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) as the longest morning market in the country, stretching 2.32km.
This surpassed the previous record held by the Temerloh Morning Market at Pekan Sehari Temerloh in Pahang, which measured 2.1km, making Sungai Bayor a new landmark in the district’s tourism landscape.
Selama District Council (MDS) president Nor Akmal Yang Ghazali said the achievement marked a historic moment after six years of dedicated efforts to realise the dream.
“With this recognition, Sungai Bayor Morning Market is not only a source of pride for Selama but is also expected to attract more visitors from outside Perak.
“It is the most precious gift for the people of Selama in conjunction with the Merdeka celebration. More importantly, this recognition will elevate Selama’s name as a must-visit destination ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026,” he said when contacted by Bernama yesterday.
Nor Akmal said MDS now had a strong justification to request government allocations to upgrade basic infrastructure, such as parking spaces and public toilets.
“I am also considering proposals to introduce themed elements such as traditional costumes on a monthly or quarterly basis to offer uniqueness and variety to visitors,” he said.
He added that the success of gaining MBR recognition was also due to the strong commitment and cooperation of the Selama Petty Traders Association, WK Picture, Nature Eco Adventure, as well as district, state and federal-level agencies.
Meanwhile, Selama Petty Traders Association chairman Mohamad Ezaiyuhan Awang said the Friday morning market hosted nearly 500 traders and hawkers from Perak, Penang and Kedah.
He said the market was known in the 1960s as the Sungai Bayor Friday Market and was located along the Bedarah River, but last year it was relocated to Jalan Kampung Sungai Bedarah by MDS for safety reasons and due to the increasing number of traders and visitors.
