03-07-2025
Resistance to Buntong market redevelopment
PLANS to demolish and redevelop the 70-year-old Buntong wet market in Ipoh, Perak, have sparked opposition from some traders there.
A longstanding hub for fresh produce, spices, clothing and other essentials, Buntong market has been a mainstay in the community for decades.
However, it faces issues such as outdated infrastructure and drainage problems, which have prompted the government to push for extensive renovations similar to those underway at Pasir Pinji market.
Trader concerns
Buntong assemblyman Thulsi Manogaran said the plan is to build a one-storey facility with modern facilities while maintaining the heritage value of the Buntong market.
Traders will be relocated to a temporary market to be built at an open area at Jalan Kantan, between First Garden and Buntong.
The Buntong wet market has about 190 active traders, who will be moved to a temporary site which will be built along Jalan Kantan.
Despite the proposed benefits, many traders argue the redevelopment is unnecessary and a waste of resources.
Noodle and drink seller Chow Yeoi Sing, who has operated at the market for nearly 50 years, is among those against the plan.
'This market is like a second home to me. There's no need to build a new market.
'A few repairs and upgrades are all that's needed.
'Repainting, upgrading the drainage and resurfacing the floor would suffice,' Chow insisted.
He claimed that 50% of traders opposed the move, primarily due to concerns about business disruption during relocation to the temporary site.
'We've been briefed, but there's no clarity on how long it will take or what the conditions will be.
'We don't agree with the redevelopment as it stands,' he added.
Jalan Kanthan in Kampung Baru Buntong.
Chow also highlighted that the market underwent an upgrade a few years ago, which included roof repairs and fan installations.
Market facelift
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming had earlier this year said that the Buntong market would be given a facelift.
This is part of the ministry's efforts to rejuvenate markets nationwide that are 50 years and older, modernising them and turning them into tourist attractions.
Currently, the 66-year-old Pasir Pinji wet market in Ipoh is undergoing a RM14mil redevelopment, which was announced by Nga in January 2023.
Once completed, the new Pasir Pinji market, scheduled to be reopened in 2027, will be able to accommodate 214 traders and boast environment-friendly features.
The Pasir Pinji traders are currently operating from a temporary site about 1km away.
Apart from the Pasir Pinji market, Ipoh Central Market in the city centre is also set to undergo a major upgrade, costing about RM15mil.
Buntong market also attracts locals for its inexpensive hawker food.
Work is expected to start some time this year.
Unwilling to move
Despite the expected benefits of a new building with better facilities, some traders at Buntong market expressed fears that they will lose customers during the relocation.
They claim the temporary site is inconvenient and unsafe.
'The temporary location at Jalan Kantan is not suitable.
'It is too far and looks eerie, especially as we open our stalls before sunrise,' said Lim Kan Yoke, who sells brooms and household equipment.
'The place looks secluded and we fear that our regular customers may not want to go there, causing us to lose business,' added Lim, who has been operating at the market for about 40 years.
Wong Yoke, who sells clothing at the Buntong market, is also concerned about moving.
'How are we going to move our wares and equipment?' asked Wong, who has been operating at the market for more than 40 years.
Traders at Buntong market say only minor repairs, such as resurfacing of damaged floors, are needed.
'Most of the traders here are elderly. Some may not even live long enough to move back (to the new market),' she pointed out.
Lim urged the government not to waste funds redeveloping the market.
'I think the money can be spent on other things, like improving the roads or drainage system (in Buntong), and carrying out pest control.
'If the market is really in a dilapidated condition, then we would have no qualms about redeveloping it, but for us, it is still in good shape,' she said.
The disgruntled traders approached Perak Gerakan public service and complaints bureau deputy chief V. Subramaniam for help in stopping the redevelopment project.
'I advised the traders to approach their assemblyman,' Subramaniam said, adding that he was willing to facilitate the dialogue.
'I think the traders will have a meeting among themselves before making any further decisions, so we will wait and see.
'I do hope that the traders' grouses will be heard,' he added.
When contacted, Thulsi defended the redevelopment, citing numerous systemic issues such as traffic congestion, pest infestations and outdated drainage systems that cannot be resolved with minor upgrades.
'Rebuilding is the only viable solution. The market's current condition is not safe or conducive, especially for the elderly community,' she said.
She said Buntong had one of the many active markets in the city.
'There is still a vibrant economy there. I think in order to uplift the people, there needs to be a modern market, which will be better, safer and cleaner,' she added.
Redevelopment model
Thulsi also assured that the redevelopment would maintain the market's heritage while providing modern facilities.
As for the temporary market, it is about 1km from the current location, she said.
'It's the nearest available state-owned land. Once the temporary market is set up, we can proceed with redevelopment bids,' she said.
As for the redevelopment project, Thulsi said it would follow the Pasir Pinji market model.
'The current Buntong market has about 190 active traders, so the plan is to have about 200 lots at the new premises.
'The design has yet to be finalised and I believe a competition to determine it will be held,' she said.
'As for the cost, it should be about RM14mil,' she added.
She also said that a temporary market would need to be built first.
'The plan is to build the temporary market this year, with the redevelopment project starting next year,' she added.
Despite ongoing objections, Thulsi noted that some traders were supportive of the project as they recognised its potential benefits.
'I'm continuously engaging with traders, encouraging them to form an association to voice out their concerns,' she added.
To assuage fears, Thulsi arranged visits for Buntong traders to the temporary Pasir Pinji market.
'The aim is to highlight the positive aspects of redevelopment,' she said, adding that the traders seemed receptive.
