Medan Selera Dataran Niaga Taman Kledang, a food court in Menglembu, Perak, has seen a significant decline in activity since its establishment in 1999. Originally home to 33 stalls, the venue now operates with only four remaining hawkers amid falling customer numbers and increasing challenges.
The food court, managed by the Ipoh City Council (MBI), was once a bustling hub for residents and traders. However, over the years, the growth of surrounding commercial developments coupled with the effects of the Covid-19 movement control order (MCO) have accelerated the departure of many vendors. The remaining traders continue to operate, hoping for renewed interest from new tenants to revive the food court.
Among the vendors is 75-year-old drink seller Fong Keng Seng, who has worked at the site since its early days. Fong noted that while the monthly rental of RM70 remains affordable, and a Sales and Service Tax (SST) of RM5.60 was introduced in December 2025, the frequency of cleaning services has diminished. She attributed the decline in business partly to stalls relocating to areas with higher customer traffic and the lingering effects of the pandemic restrictions.
Economy rice stall operator Tan Lay Wah, active for more than 15 years, reported that the area surrounding the food court has become less inviting due to increased presence of homeless individuals and reports of drug addicts nearby. This has affected her ability to open early in the morning as she used to. Tan also mentioned infrastructure issues, including leaking gutters that have gone unaddressed for approximately a year.
Vegetarian noodle seller Cheah Lai Fun, trading since 2000, expressed concerns over the initial costs for potential new operators, highlighting a RM1,000 rental deposit and additional fees totaling up to RM1,500 as potential deterrents. Despite this, she acknowledged recent improvements by MBI, such as the installation of LED lighting and new ceiling fans. Lai Fun also advocated for updating the food court’s zinc roofing to a heat-resistant material due to uncomfortable temperatures during afternoons. Security remains a pressing issue, with several burglaries reported, leading to repeated thefts of gas cylinders and utensils.
Another hawker, Cheah Chew Wah, who has operated for over a decade, criticized the infrequency of cleaning within the food court, stating that while nearby toilets receive attention, the floors inside the court are often neglected. She and other vendors have taken it upon themselves to maintain cleanliness.
Despite these difficulties, the food court still attracts a dedicated customer base. Regular patron Tan Kai Soong, a logistics company owner, visits nearly daily and has requested improvements such as chairs with backrests for the comfort of senior citizens, as the current fiberglass seating is attached to tables and considered uncomfortable. Retiree Hor Chan Heng echoed hopes for an increase in the number of operational stalls to provide more food choices.
In response to the situation, Ng Khor Tee, Perak’s state executive councillor for development, population and special interests, has committed to convening a meeting with stakeholders. The agenda will include exploring incentives such as waiving the rental deposit and six months of rent to attract new vendors, as well as addressing security concerns through enhanced surveillance and protective measures. Ng emphasized the desire to preserve the food court as a valued community facility.