By P. Chandra Sagaran
Ipoh City will be celebrating its 37th anniversary of its city status, the first in the country, with the call by the mayor to focus on “Back to Basic” which encompasses three basic elements – Cleanliness, Greenery and Progress.
Ipoh was declared as a city on May 27, 1988 under the Local Government Act 1976, which created history as the first council in the country to receive city status.
Zamakhshari Hanipah passed the remarks in his address to some 1,800 staff at the Executive Talk held in conjunction with City Day celebrations at Ipoh Convention Centre on May 27.
“If we can successfully implement the three aspects I am confident Ipoh can achieve the status of Smart and Prosperous City.
“Cleanliness is only clearing drains, garbage and grass but also it covers business,environment, control of air pollution, reduction of carbon emission together with environmental friendly and harmonic development.
“Greenery is not only allocating open space and green areas, trees and landscape but can be expanded to four elements..Green Buildings, Green Infrastructure, Green Environment and Greenway.
“While progress is not about physical development and skyscrapers, it is systems like low carbon emission, efficient city transportation, saving on energy and the success of forming a Low Carbon Community,’ he added.
He pointed out that as a city for 37 years, Ipoh has to be prepared to face the challenges and to look into the needs in the future.
“As a local authority which manages the city, the council is required to be dynamic and productive in addressing issues while enhancing the delivery system.
“Every success by the council will have a positive impact on the state government administration,” he added.
Meanwhile, BEu Tan Architect won the design idea concept competition for upgrading Ipoh Central Market. They were selected among five finalists .
The winner received RM30,000 while the second placed firm received RM15,000 and third (RM10,000).
Fourth and fifth placed firms went home with RM5,000 as consolation prize each.
The focus of the design of the market is a pedestrian friendly concept and fulfill environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
