TAIPING: The century-old market here is making a comeback, not just as a trading hub, but as a new tourist landmark.
Once the heart of the town’s bustling commerce, the historic Taiping Market is set to reopen next year, with hopes of rivalling world-famous markets like Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market and Perth’s Fremantle Market.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who announced an additional RM100,000 allocation for lighting upgrades at the site, described the market’s redevelopment as a transformative project in town.
“Everyone knows this market. It used to be very old and worn down, but now it’s getting a second life.
“So in the future, this picture at night can be taken and sold as a postcard for Taiping. It can be sent worldwide, on a par with Victoria Market in Melbourne and Fremantle Market in Perth,” he told reporters at the site here today.
Nga said the market would officially reopen next year to coincide with the 70th birthday celebration of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, as well as the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
“The main structure is already completed. We’re just adding finishing touches like LED lighting to enhance its charm and appeal.
“That’s why we’re holding off the opening, to align with these two major milestones. Sultan Nazrin is expected to officiate the grand opening,” he said.
Nga said this when asked about the delay in the completion of the renovation works, which were previously reported to be scheduled for completion by August last year.
As for the Day and Night Market located next to the Taiping Market, Nga said it would open next month in conjunction with Malaysia Day. He said the market project was part of a broader RM67 million development initiative comprising five major projects across the district.
In addition, he also announced a new RM10.4 million allocation for infrastructure upgrades and landscaping projects in Taiping.
“This includes nine infrastructure upgrades worth RM4.1 million. Among them are the refurbishment of the Kamunting General Market, the upgrading of hawker stalls at the Jalan Stesen Kamunting Hawker Centre and the installation of CCTV systems for the Taiping Municipal Council.
“Another RM500,000 will go towards landscaping improvements at the Tanjung Sungai Mas Open Area, to create a more vibrant and liveable space for residents,” he said.
Nga also announced RM2.2 million for maintenance work at 22 non-Muslim houses of worship, alongside RM3.5 million for 24 new housing and Kampung Baru development projects.
“Why is Taiping getting all this special attention? Because it’s a national heritage town, a truly unique place with many Malaysian ‘firsts’.
“Taiping has the first market, the first court, the first land office, the first railway, the first church, the first museum and the list goes on.
“That’s why we’re committed to preserving and elevating Taiping. It’s a town that deserves to shine, and I’ll make sure it isn’t left behind,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
