THE crack on the wall of a shophouse at Panglima Lane, Ipoh, has widened and is visible to passers-by.
Some of the hoarding put up around the premises have also collapsed, making the area an eye-sore.
Low Poh Choy, a long-time resident at Panglima Lane, better known as "Yi Lai Hong (Concubine Lane) said the crack at shophouse number 15, just beneath a window on the top floor of the dilapidated double-storey structure, has worsened over time.
"It used to look like a hairline fracture about a year ago but has widened over time and I don't think it is safe to leave it as it is now.
"It seems to have corroded and bits and pieces of the wall surrounding the crack have fallen off," he told The Star when met.
"We have informed the Ipoh City Council about the matter and it is really a cause for concern for the people walking along the lane," he said.
Low, 68, said that the city council, as the local government, must do something before any untoward incidents occurred.
Lorong Panglima is a well known area among tourists. — Photos by SAIFUL BAHR I
"As the local authority, they cannot sit idly and wait for the wall to come collapsing down and worst still on unsuspecting pedestrians or tourists.
"They can either issue a notice to the owner to take action or they can take action and bill the owner later," he said.
"It has been dragging on long enough. I hope the city council will take action for the sake and safety of the people," he added.
Lai Yu Zhen, owner of an art shop opposite the dilapidated building, said she hoped a nearby construction project would not affect the stability of the structure.
"Any movement on the ground or strong vibration due to construction works could shake the building and cause the wall to fall down," she said.
"When I looked across from the top floor of my shop, I saw that most of the floorboards at the dilapidated building are gone," she added.
The 54-year-old, who just opened the art shop in July, said she was told that the owner of the dilapidated shophouse would carry out some repair works.
"This was what I was told when I moved in so I was not so worried.
"The hoarding put up at the shophouse means some renovation or construction works will be carried out, right?," she asked.
Panglima Lane Shophouse Owners committee chairman Dr Gurmail Singh said he has noticed the cracks for quite some time.
"We have tried to get the owner to do something about it," he said.
"We hope they will look into the matter again and take the necessary actions," he added.
When contacted, city council corporate affairs principal assistant director Normala Latiff said they would look into the matter.
Source : http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/09/10/Eyesore-in-Ipoh-Old-shophouse-at-Panglima-Lane-also-a-danger-to-the-public/
