By P. Chandra Sagaran
Little India in Ipoh is set to become more lively and vibrant with several projects in the pipeline.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced added allocation in his speech at Deepavali Carnival at Little India on October 25.
Earlier Human Resources, National Integration and Indian Affairs Committee Chairman A. Sivanesan in his address announced a sum of RM35,000 from the state government for the Little India Traders Association to carry out activities and other works.
Nga who is also Kepayang Assemblyman said the ministry will give an additional RM30,000 and another RM50,000 for the arch located at the entrance to Little India to be lighted up, repainted and upgraded.
“We want this place to be an attractive spot for tourists.
” The ministry had also allocated RM100,000 to build a toilet at the location which had never seen one in the last 100 years.
“It is important to have a toilet with BMW (Bersih, Menawan, Wangi), clean, attractive and pleasant smelling status which will project the image of Little India.
“The allocation is a dollar to dollar basis with an allocation of RM100,000 the association will have to come up with another RM100,000.
“We will hold discussions to find a suitable location to construct the toilet with Indian architecture, “he added.
Meanwhile Association president T. Vignes Thillai said,” it is our hope to turn Little India like Brickfields.,”
On another note, he said the draft bill on amendments to the Local Government Act 1971 will be tabled in parliament in April 2025.
“This is to comply with litter bugs to do social work order despite the compounds…they still litter and pay up.
“By complying with them to clean drains, toilets and sweep roads it will deter them from throwing rubbish indiscriminately..it will be shameful for them, ” he added.
According to him, Singapore implemented the law in 1990, Philippines, Sweden and Norway had enforced such a law.