Plans to promote Taiping's heritage, natural landscape

Taiping is known as the world’s best sustainable destination 

and rich with nature such as hilly areas, valleys as well as 

Bukit Larut and extending into the sea. 

NSTP/EFFENDY RASHID

By Zahratulhayat Mat Arif

April 19, 2019 @ 5:42pm

IPOH: Taiping may be a small town but it has a rich history, heritage, food, beautiful lakes and mountains.

Perak Tourism, Arts and Culture committee chairman Tan Kar Hing said the state government was set to promot the town to lure more local and foreign tourists in the district.

“Taiping is known as the world’s best sustainable destination and rich with nature such as hilly areas, valleys as well as Bukit Larut and extending into the sea.

“Among the initiatives is to provide allocation for upgrading the landscape of Bukit Larut amounting RM100,000.

“Besides that, we will upgrade the infrastructure of hall and jetty of Kampung Dew Kelip-kelip with allocation amounting RM350,000,” he said in reply to a question from Jalong assemblyman Loh Sze Yee at the state legislative assembly here today.

Tan said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry had allocated RM1.9 million to upgrade 1.2km walkway at the Matang Mangrove Eco-Educational Centre in Kuala Sepetang and the upgrading works were expected to be completed end of this year.

“The state government has also provided water tanks to provide clean waters for tourists who stay in Bukit Larut with an allocationof RM331,660,” he said, adding that the state government also organised tourism programmes such as Zoo Taiping Carnival, Bazaar Cross Street and state-level 2018 Malaysia Day celebration.

The Simpang Pulai assemblyman said the state government was also planning to build more infrastructures and facilities such as parking, toilet and jetty in Kuala Sepetang.

“Among other efforts is to bring media and tourism agencies to introduce the tour package and write about food, heritage as well as an interesting tourist attraction that are available in Taiping,” he said.

It was reported last month that Taiping had been placed third in the ‘Best of Cities’ category behind Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, and Vancouver, Canada.

The recognition was given during the 2019 Sustainable Top 100 Destination Awards at the International Tourismus-Börse (ITB) travel trade show in Berlin, Germany.

Taiping Market gets RM9m facelift

Housing and Local Government minister Zuraida Kamarudin visits the Taping Market. -NSTP//SHAIFUL SHAHRIN AHMAD PAUZI

TAIPING: Taiping Market, the oldest market in Malaysia, will soon undergo massive restoration works costing RM9 million.

Housing and Local Government minister Zuraida Kamarudin said works on the site, which houses 212 business lots with a total area of 0.4 hectares, would begin next year and was expected to be completed within two or three years.

“The market, which was built in the 1880s, will be upgraded and modernised. It will be equipped with better facilities for traders and customers. However, the traditional design and wood structure will remain in order to preserve the historical value and to attract more tourists.

“In the first phase, a total of RM1 million has been approved to design the building with the aim of maintaining its heritage structure,” she said at a press conference after a working visit to the market here, today.

Zuraida added that traders here had agreed to pay a higher rent when the upgrading works were completed. Currently, they are paying RM80 per month.

On a separate note, she said the ministry would study the report on 97 abandoned fire trucks worth RM165 million as reported in the media yesterday.

Zuraida added that it would find ways to fix the fire trucks as soon as possible as the vehicles were crucial to the team in providing services to the public.

She said the ministry would find out if the issue involved politicians or elements of abuse of power.

“We will get the relevant authorities to investigate so that further action can be taken,” she said.

It was reported yesterday that the failure of suppliers to provide certain designs and installation of pieces of equipment according to the specification were among the reasons why the vehicles purchased in 2007, 2010 and 2014 were left abandoned.

NEW STRAITS TIMES

Taiping is No 3 most sustainable city in the world

The umbrella-like rain trees located at the Raintree Walk in Jalan Pekeliling, Taman Tasik Taiping here have a significant meaning to the people of Taiping. (NSTP/EFFENDY RASHID)

By Zahratulhayat Mat Arif - March 7, 2019 @ 6:01pm

IPOH: Taiping has been placed third in the "Best of Cities" category, behind Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, and Vancouver, Canada.

The recognition was given during the 2019 Sustainable Top 100 Destination Awards at the International Tourismus-Börse (ITB) travel trade show in Berlin, Germany, yesterday.

Taiping Municipal Council president Datuk Abd Rahim Md Ariff received the award.

Abd Rahim said he was happy and proud of Taiping’s achievement and this was the first time they had received a prestigious international award.

“This achievement is due to the hard work of the community and all relevant governmental agencies. The council always works hard to make Taiping a popular tourist destination,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and state Tourism Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing.

Taiping was also named as one of the 100 Sustainable Cities, the only Malaysian city which made it in the list by Green Destinations last year.

The ‘2018 Sustainable Destinations Top 100’ list, made available at greendestinations.org, was aimed at giving recognition to efforts by the authorities in tourism industry through sustainable environment.

Green Destinations (GD) is a non-profit organisation which focuses on efforts to create sustainable tourism, leading a global cooperation comprising experts, firms and academy institutions in 80 countries.

Taiping has previously been recognised as the Best Destination Manager 2016 by the Tourism Promotion Board for the Asia Pacific; besides having received the Malaysia Tourism Council Gold Award 2017 in Best Heritage and Eco Travel Destination Category and Malaysia Tourism Council Gold Award 2018 for the Best Tourism Promotion Campaign.

NEW STRAITS TIMES

Taiping makes it to 2018 Top 100 Sustainable Destinations

By Muhammad Apendy Issahak - December 28, 2018 @ 4:10pm

(File pix) A view of Pecah Batu waterfall in Trong, Taiping. Taiping has been named as one of the 100 Sustainable Cities, the only Malaysian city which made it in this year’s list by Green Destinations.

IPOH: Taiping has been named as one of the 100 Sustainable Cities, the only Malaysian city which made it in this year’s list by Green Destinations.

The ‘2018 Sustainable Destinations Top 100’ list, made available at greendestinations.org, was aimed at giving recognition to efforts by the authorities in tourism industry through sustainable environment.

Green Destinations (GD) is a non-profit organisation which focuses on efforts to create sustainable tourism, leading a global cooperation comprised experts, firms and academy institutions in 80 countries.

Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) president Datuk Abd Rahim Md Ariff said the Green Destinations had informed of the matter through an email on Dec 21.

He said the council had through its awards secretariat registered in the global movement earlier this year.

“This was following a suggestion made by a Asean Clean Tourist Award jury panel member, who is also an officer at the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, after a visit in Taiping.

“The officer felt that Taiping has a lot of potentials and uniqueness in eco-tourism,” he said in a statement on Friday.

He said the council provided detailed documents which included pictures, video and promotion materials during the nomination process which ended on Oct 15.

He said the council representatives also held meetings and discussions to obtain accurate information, which was one of the requirements for the award.

“MPT submitted reports and input fom several sustainable and controlled areas like Laut Matang mangrove forest reserve, Kampung Dew, Kuala Sepetang, Kuala Trong, Bukit Larut, Taman Tasik Taiping, Zoo Taiping and Night Safari; and Batu Kurau.

“These places have their own strengths in eco-tourism and are able to generate economic opportunities to local community, while at the same time serve as heritage sites,” he said.

He said the council continued to strive in making Taiping a good tourist destination choice among the domestic and foreign tourists.

“I am happy with this achievement that is also a recognition to the cooperation and hardwork showed by the community in Taiping, various agencies, officers and staff of MPT in maintaining the district’s sustainability.

“This the first international and prestigious award (bestowed upon the district),” he said.

The award winners will receive their certificate at the ITB Earth Award – Top 100 Awards ceremony on March 6 at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair.

NEW STRAITS TIMES

Historic sites in Taiping that need to be restored.

The Taiping Central Market is the oldest market in Malaysia, and maintains much of the original architectural structure but is a far cry from being in pristine condition. — Pictures by Farhan Najib

Saturday, 29 Sep 2018 07:29 AM MYT

By Loghun Kumaran

TAIPING, Sept 29 ― Taiping  is known as a heritage town with 33 firsts — 33 attractions that were the first of their kind in Malaysian history.

One of them, the Taiping clock tower, was recently given a new lease of life and chimed for the first time in over 10 years.

But while many of the 33 firsts have been maintained to this day, there are at least five run-down firsts that have either been abandoned, or left in a deplorable state.

Some of these historic firsts are located along the town’s heritage trail, crying out for something to be done.

Along with Taiping Heritage Society president Yeap Thean Eng, an expert on local history, the Malay Mail visited five of the Taiping firsts that are in sorry conditions.

Taiping Central Market

Taiping Central Market is made up of two buildings — the wet market built in 1884 and the dry market that came up a year later.

It is the oldest market in Malaysia, and maintains much of its original structure.

Both wooden buildings still function as markets, but are a far cry from being in pristine condition.

While taking Malay Mail on a visit, Yeap pointed to the rotting tinder and the dirty conditions of the marketplace.

“It’s very dirty. The floor is just cement instead of having tiles. Rats are also a big problem here, especially at night because the waste is not disposed of properly,” he said.

“How can we show off this iconic market when there are problems with cleanliness and pests?”

One of the market’s unique characteristics lies in its cool ventilation, thanks to the way it was built by the British.

“After studying the wind currents in Taiping, they built it so wind from the hills blows through the building. It is well ventilated.”

Yeap said the market needed to be the next place to be refurbished after the success of the clock tower.

“This must be the priority for refurbishment, because people still use it. It is also an important heritage building,” he said.

Taiping Heritage Society president Yeap Thean Eng says nothing had changed with the condition of the Perak Railways building despite the issue being highlighted in the Malay Mail last year

Perak Railways Building

The Perak Railways Building was built in 1885, and served as a ticketing counter for the first railway station in Perak ― then under the purview of Perak Railways.

Besides being the country’s first railway building, it also housed the local Public Works Department office and the Sessions Court for about a year.

Located in Jalan Stesen and Jalan Lim Tee Hooi, the building is believed to have been abandoned for 30 years ago. 

Today, the building is run down and covered in graffiti and vegetation. Vagrants and suspected drug addicts seek shelter in the building’s hallowed walls.

Only last year, the Malay Mail highlighted the dilapidated structure in a report on Taiping’s lost treasures.

However, there has been no visible change to the building.

“It hasn’t gotten any better,” said Yeap, who believes it should be gazetted as a heritage building.

Town Resthouse 

Located just next to the Perak Railways building is the Town Resthouse, which is a first in the Malay states.

It was built in 1879 and was originally a single-storey timber building that housed the governor’s residence.

In 1894, it was upgraded to a double storey brick building.

Today, the building is boarded off from the public, despite there is a signboard proclaiming its status as one of the attractions on the heritage trail.

Its structure is falling apart and the building is a pale shadow of what it used to be.

“More than 10 years ago, there was an attempt to renovate and refurbish the building.

“But, this is how it looks now. It is sad to see two such buildings in this condition next to one another.”

 

Yeap said the Tekah airstrip could be a fun tourist attraction.

Tekah Airstrip

The Tekah Airstrip was built by the British in 1929 for non-military use, and is believed to be one of the first airstrips in the country, along with Kedah’s Alor Setar airport, which was built in the same year.

Legendary aviator Amelia Earhart landed at the airstrip in 1937 on a refuelling stop during her fatal flight around the world.

Today, the airstrip is abandoned, with remnants of the broken control tower, offices leaving memories of halcyon days gone by.

“It can be a fun attraction. The control tower can be open for people to go in. We can have information boards telling people about the history of this facility.

“It has a lot of potential, especially with the large plot of land around the airstrip.”

Yeap still feels that the former golf course can be reborn with a modern spin as a pitch and putt course

Taiping Golf Course

Unlike the other attractions on this list, the nation’s first golf course is not in a derelict condition. Strictly speaking however, it does not exist anymore.

Created in 1886, it was once a nine-hole course winding around the town’s New Club, the Taiping Prison, and a school.

There is a statue of a giant golf ball, marking the history of the place.

Now the greens are populated with trees.

Yeap feels that the golf course can be used  as a pitch and putt course instead.

“One of the problems with the old course was its proximity to the school. Long drives would land in the school compound and in some cases, broke a few windows. A pitch and putt course will be more suited.”

Yeap added this could be an attraction for tourists and golf enthusiasts alike. 

“It can be fun, but at the same time many people will want the chance to play on the country’s first golf course.

“They can even be given certificates to mark their visit.”

State can take over abandoned buildings, says expert

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — Local councils are allowed to take over pre-war buildings if they have been left in an uninhabitable state.
Under Section 127 of the National Land Code, a property or building that has been left in an uninhabitable or alienated state can be forfeited to the authority of the state government.
Responding to Malay Mail’s report on abandoned pre-war buildings in Taiping on Monday, local government and planning law expert Derek Fernandez said the state should exercise its right to reclaim the land, if necessary.
The abandoned buildings include some 100 old houses, shoplots and the 132-year-old Perak Railways building located at the junction of Jalan Stesen and Jalan Lim Tee Hooi.
Before such an action can be taken, he said, a listing of pre-war buildings had to be made based on their heritage as well as historical and cultural value.
“We must first know the value of these buildings ... it is also important to determine if they are on private or government-owned land,” he said.
“The state must identify which buildings come under the Heritage Act, and if they don’t, it may still be protected under the Town and Country Act 1976 via the urban design guidelines in the local plan.
“If some buildings are not worth saving, then the state can proceed to carry out development, especially if the land is not kept in good condition.”
Fernandez said through the list created by the state on pre-war buildings, local councils would be able to determine the funding required for the repurposing and development of such land.
“In areas like Taiping, it wouldn’t cost too much to forfeit the land for repurposing, hence it should be a part of the yearly budget,” he said.
Fernandez also said it was a shame many old buildings in Malaysia were left in ruins because of lack of care.
“Pre-war architecture is beautiful and should be kept alive, if possible,” he said.
“Designers and architects can repurpose buildings in their original fashion. It costs money but it’s worth it.”
* Editor's note: An error was made in the print version of this story which has since been corrected here.

By May Robertson
Malaymail Online

Taiping pre-war buildings battered

TAIPING, May 1 — If the walls of the abandoned buildings in Taiping could talk, they would share tales of life in the quiet and serene town during the pre-war days.
Some 100 old houses, shoplots and even the 132-year-old Perak Railways building located at the junction of Jalan Stesen and Jalan Lim Tee Hooi, have been left abandoned, leaving many clueless of their history.
Many residents and visitors are unhappy and question what steps are being taken to preserve the town’s historical structures.
Although most are privately owned, the architecture of these buildings gives an insight to the art, lifestyle and economy of the town when they were set up. Some of the structures, including the Perak Railways building, are located within the town’s heritage trail.
Taiping Heritage Society president Yeap Thean Eng said there were about 100 abandoned buildings in the historical town.
“They include privately-owned shoplots, and unoccupied government buildings and bungalows previously used as government quarters,” he said.
“These buildings are an eyesore and with this year being Visit Perak Year we are seeing an influx of tourists to the state and town.”
The Perak Railways building, set up in 1885, has been vandalised, its walls and roof are in bad shape because of the extreme weather over the years.
During its heyday, the building served as a ticketing counter and office for the state’s first railway station. Next to it was a government rest house.
Later, it functioned as the Public Works Department office and temporarily housed the Sessions Court.
Those who visit the building today would find it has turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, with pillows and clothes, believed to belong to vagrants, scattered on the floor.
Yeap said the buildings started deteriorating when they were abandoned 30 years ago.
“They can be saved. The authorities should gazette them as heritage buildings as they have unique designs, especially the interior courtyards,” he said.
“If the authorities don’t have funds, they should offer it to the private sector,”
He said there were many other shoplots and bungalows, with rich history, that were demolished in the past.
“These buildings pose a safety hazard to the public. They attract drug addicts and snakes. It’s sad to see them in such condition,” he said.
“Taiping is known for its history. Ideally, they should be restored and preserved, regardless of whether they are located along the heritage trail or not.”
Yeap urged the authorities to implement stricter enforcement and strategies to ensure privately-owned buildings would be spared from ruin.
“The authorities should restore the government buildings and penalise owners who allow them to rot,” he said.

By Loghun Kumaran
The Malay Mail OnlineMay 1, 2017

A letter to the NST Editor Build on our history

NEW STRAITS TIMES

January 12, 2016 @ 11:00am

I HAVE been following the discussion on the Taiping market, having read Liew Suet Fun’s article (“The extraordinary passage of Taiping’s Central Market”, NST, Dec 27) and the subsequent letter from Datuk Mutalib Razak (“Taiping needs tourism blueprint”, NST, Jan 2).

As someone living in Taiping all my life and as president of the Taiping Heritage Society, I recognise the necessity of conserving the aspects of heritage that form the essential character of the town.

It is also this distinctive quality that sets it apart from other towns and can become the strongest basis for a viable and sustainable strategy for tourism. I agree with Mutallib’s call to look towards heritage in developing the industry.

The Taiping Municipal Council with Northern Corridor Implementation Authority has earmarked some 39 heritage sites and raised signages and markers for these sites. Efforts are also being made to develop and conserve the iconic Taiping Lake Gardens. I am sure this attitude will prevail as they assume authority in the management of Bukit Larut, once known as Maxwell Hill, from January this year.

Bukit Larut, whose natural setting is its greatest virtue, must not walk the path of Genting Highlands or Cameron Highlands, where extensive development has altered the environment. For Taiping’s Central Market, I hope that the Taiping Municipal Council will tread carefully with its restoration plans.

The market is a repository of living history as inter-generational businesses have operated there for almost a century. A survey conducted by the authorities last year showed that over 90 per cent of these businesses are against the move to new premises. This overwhelming majority in favour of the current location must be taken seriously.

The Taiping Heritage Society stands ready to assist the council to ensure development of any kind is carried out in a balanced and thoughtful manner. We need to build on our history instead of obliterating it.

n YEAP THEAN ENG, Taiping, Perak

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2015

We had our Annual General Meeting 2015 on the 15 May 2015 at Flemington Hotel, Taiping at 6.00pm together with a Book Launch by Khoo Salma Nasution entitled "Redoubtable Reformer, the life and times of Cheah Cheang Lim" co written by Francis Cooray & Khoo Salma Nasution.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS

When Taiping celebrated all things Peranakan

BY HELEN ONG

Tuesday March 31, 2015
08:49 AM GMT+8

The contestants strutting their stuff for Nyonya Queen competition. 

Pictures by Helen Ong

 TAIPING, March 31 — The second Taiping Baba Nyonya Festival was held recently at the Hotel Taiping Perdana. Jointly organised by the Taiping Heritage Society and the Taiping Tourist Association, the afternoon started with a small Peranakan Exhibition which included stalls selling various paraphernalia to do with this unique culture. It culminated in a grand sit-down Peranakan Dinner for over 400 people.

One of the highlights included a “Best Nyonya Dish” contest in which proud housewives — and, I was delighted to see, one husband — brought the results of labouring in their respective kitchens to be tasted and possibly hailed as the winning dish.

I was honoured to be invited back as one of the judges again, this time with Taipingite Chef Ricky Ng, who has written several cookbooks on the cuisine and who, incidentally, was responsible for the Peranakan Dinner. Joining us was Tok Puan Norisha, wife of the OBJ (Orang Besar Jajahan) Daerah Larut Matang dan Selama (LMS).

Best Dressed Baba Lim Choo Hock receiving his hamper.

Nineteen contestants submitted one savoury dish each, with the more well-known ones like Kari Kapitan, Salt Fish Acar and Otak Otak prevalent, as well as one or two which were probably not really traditional Nyonya.

However, it was good to see a dish that has almost disappeared — Nyonya Serai Prawn, otherwise known as Sambal Goreng, cooked with belacan, serai (lemongrass) and coconut — entered by 62-year old Tan Ah Meng who also had the honour of being one of only two men who took part.

“It’s a dish which my Nyonya mother-in-law used to cook for us,” he explained, “I wanted to see it make a comeback.”

The deserving winner was Cheah Kai Wei whose Salt Fish Acar blew the judges away with its authentic full flavours. Cheah, who runs a Curry Mee stall in town, told me that she got the recipe off the Internet.

Tan walked away with the second prize for the aforementioned Sambal Goreng, followed closely by Rose Gabriel’s beautifully-decorated and very tasty Sambal Terong Peranakan.

.The main event of the evening was the “Nyonya Queen” contest which I was also asked to judge, together with kebaya maker Steven Ong (no relation) and former Mrs Qi Bao Vinna Lim.

Sixteen brave souls strutted their stuff on stage in their most colourful and stunning sarongs and kebayas, suitably accessorised as befits a well-dressed Nyonya lady: Glittering kerosang(linked brooches), manek(beaded) shoes and handbags.

Many had even gone to the trouble of dressing their hair in typical Nyonya style: into elegant sanggoi (buns) studded with diamante combs and clips.

After much deliberation — and it was indeed a hard choice as there were many deserving winners — a delighted Tham Oi Tai, 44, was crowned Nyonya Queen 2015.

She received a hamper and an angpow. Runners-up were Sabrina Vun and Khor Poh Geok. “The number of lovely contestants was very encouraging,” said Ong.

However, the men were not forgotten. Five men were chosen from among the male diners as finalists for the “Best-Dressed Baba” of the night and the winner was Lim Choo Hock. His father Baba Lim Chung Bee received a special mention for being, at the ripe old age of 92, the oldest Baba in town.

In between the various events joget dances and other entertainment was provided by the Baba Nyonya Art & Culture Group Dance Team from Malacca.

“It was a sell-out,” said committee member Sharon Ng, “although I would like to have seen more audience participation in the dancing! We intend to hold this once every two years.”

If you would like to find out more about the next event, contact Yeap Thean Eng, Chairman of the Taiping Heritage Society, on 012-5382743.

- See more at: http://www.mmail.com.my/features/article/when-taiping-celebrated-all-things-peranakan#sthash.yGIEMw8w.dpuf