This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on March 17, 2025 - March 23, 2025

As a child in the early 2000s, I vividly remember tagging along (somewhat reluctantly) on my mother’s weekly trips to the Pasir Pinji Market in Ipoh. Mornings were always a busy affair, filled with the cacophony of voices from haggling customers and traders.

The entrance to the market was narrow, and as visitors stepped inside, they were immediately greeted by the pungent aroma of fresh meats and live seafood that filled the air. Some areas were not well lit and the floor was always wet. It was not my idea of a fun weekend, but it was the apam balik and yong tau foo that I looked forward to after the shopping spree.

Wet markets in the country are often associated with wet and dirty conditions. Things are about to change for this Ipoh market. It will be given a new lease of life, as the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) approved in January a budget of RM16 million for its rejuvenation.

Located at the intersection of Jalan Queen and Jalan Sultan, the new 1½-storey Pasir Pinji Market is scheduled for completion in late 2026. It will have a land area of 48,373 sq ft and a built-up of 35,924 sq ft. There will also be a sub-basement car park level.

The new layout will accommodate 214 units of commercial space, 86 parking bays, including for the disabled, as well as parking space for 39 motorcycles and three lorries.

At the moment, the traders are housed in a temporary location about 600m away on Jalan Bunga Seroja, near Padang Kelab Kilat.

“The new market is set to feature a modern design with emphasis on sustainability and we are targeting a GreenRE Gold rating — the first for a wet market in Malaysia. Having operated for more than 50 years, the wet market has become dilapidated over the years,” says Shyuan Kuee, founder and principal architect of Kuee Architecture, in an email interview with City & Country.

“There were issues of hygiene and safety that needed to be resolved. Furthermore, the lack of public parking surrounding the wet market is a persistent issue causing serious traffic congestion in the area. We hope the new market will be able to resolve these issues.”

Kuee Architecture is an Ipoh-based architecture firm spearheading the rejuvenation project. Among its notable projects are the façade of Pantai Hospital Ipoh and 1 Lasam on Jalan Lasam. The latter, with its green and bold design, won The Edge Malaysia PAM Green Excellence Award 2022.

“While some residents consider the wet market dirty and smelly, the Pasir Pinji Market is a place of nostalgia for many other residents, especially the seniors. It’s a place to spend time with parents and friends. The market used to be very busy, especially before the Chinese New Year celebrations,” Kuee says.

Nevertheless, she notes, because Pasir Pinji is one of the largest new villages in the country, demand for the market remains strong.

“It is the collective intention of the state government executives, local city council and architecture firm design team to provide a clean and modern wet market to revitalise the area,” she says.

For a start, the design concept is inspired by the goal of providing optimal shelter for the vendors. “In this context, the new market structure draws inspiration from the trees and umbrella stands where the street vendors take shelter from the sun and rain.

“The sloping roof design allows for natural lighting, with openings and louvres facing north and south for equal distribution of sunlight and maximising ventilation into the market areas,” Kuee explains, adding that the roof design is also inspired by the historical Bazar Bulat, with its iconic octagonal-shaped structure. The building was demolished in 2001.

She adds that the project also takes into account other successful market projects, both locally and internationally, such as the Chowrasta Market in Penang, Taman Tun Dr Ismail Market in Kuala Lumpur, The Food Villa in Bangkok and Ataranzas Municipal Market in Malaga, Spain.

To further enhance sustainability, there will be solar panels, rainwater harvesting, HVLS (high-volume low-speed) fans and biocomposting systems. The addition of greenery will improve air quality, provide shade and enhance drainage.

“The market’s design incorporates features that bolster resilience to environmental and societal challenges. Improved drainage systems address the issue of constantly wet floors and mitigate flooding risks during heavy rainfall. By maximising natural lighting, the building reduces reliance on artificial energy, lowering operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

“The market’s structure and layout are prepared to handle rising temperatures. Thoughtful use of materials, passive cooling strategies and shaded spaces create a comfortable environment for vendors and customers, ensuring usability even during heatwaves. These elements contribute to the market’s ability to adapt to the impact of climate change, such as extreme weather events and increased energy costs,” says Kuee.

Overall, sustainability is at the core of the project’s design, she adds. “These features also create a healthier and more conducive environment for market users. This structured approach underscores the project’s commitment to economic feasibility, financial sustainability and long-term value creation, aligning with its vision to serve the community effectively while embracing sustainability.”

According to Kuee, the rejuvenation project began with a workshop in March 2019 involving the Ipoh City Council (MBI), her architecture firm and other consultants to discuss the design guidelines. From there, three public engagement sessions were held at the Pasir Pinji town hall for the community to voice their concerns and provide feedback on the project.

“Community engagement became a priority early on to avoid assumptions that could lead to irreversible design errors. However, there was resistance from vendors who had operated in the market for decades. While they acknowledged the poor state of the old market, they feared disruption to their businesses and alienation of regular customers.

“The project team addressed these concerns through open dialogue, assuring vendors they would retain their stall allocations in the new market. This initial effort built trust and paved the way for more inclusive engagement,” says Kuee.

A public voting session was held over two days with 1,715 residents, comprising representatives from the Pasir Pinji Council Service Centre, the village committee and other local volunteers, who cast their votes. Officers from MBI oversaw the process to ensure its integrity, while police maintained order outside the voting station, Kuee says.

“More than 90% of voters supported the project, showing overwhelming approval. The referendum was a milestone in community democracy, celebrated as a victory for the residents. It also demonstrated how inclusive processes can lead to collective decision-making and stronger public trust,” says Kuee.

“This transformation of Pasar Pasir Pinji is not only a revitalisation of a vital community hub but also a testament to the importance of participatory design. It serves as a model for future urban development projects in Malaysia and beyond, proving that meaningful community involvement is key to creating spaces that resonate with the people they serve.”

For local residents, the market is more than just a place to buy goods; it is a cultural landmark and a social gathering point.

“The market’s food stalls, featuring local specialities such as soup noodles and white coffee, are cherished not only for their culinary offerings but also for their nostalgic connection to local traditions and values. These outlets have been a vital part of the residents’ daily lives for many years, serving as both a place of business and cultural venue where traditions and stories are shared over meals. The market’s function as a community centre has fostered strong social bonds, especially among older generations, who have come to rely on the space for both their commercial needs and social interaction,” says Kuee.

She notes that while the new market will not preserve the physical design elements of the old one because of the unsafe condition of the wooden structure, the spirit and cultural significance of the site will be honoured in other aspects.

“The redevelopment of the market will ensure that it continues to serve the community’s needs, with a focus on creating a safer, modern space that will preserve the social and cultural aspects of the old market. While the structure will change, the legacy of the old market’s role as a central meeting point for commerce, culture and community engagement will be reflected in the design of the new market.”

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