FOLLOWING a car crash incident in mid-July that injured three people and destroyed several stalls, traders and visitors at the First Garden night market in Ipoh, Perak, are calling for stricter safety measures to be implemented.

They believe that more can be done to ensure the safety of everyone at the popular Friday night market.

Among the key suggestions are barring all vehicles from entering the night market area, setting up more “No Entry” signs and having a greater presence of People’s Volunteer Corp (Rela) personnel.

A recent check found that cars still frequently enter and pass through the market, particularly at unsecured entry points at Lorong Taman 10 and Lorong Taman 11, from Jalan Ng Weng Hup, where the stalls are mostly located.

Florist S. Malathi, 54, said minor accidents were a weekly occurrence here with cars often reversing into one another or squeezing into tight areas.

“It is a risk to everyone here, including families with children and the elderly.

“I believe there should be stricter control to prevent cars from driving near our stalls,” she said.

Some eateries and shops remain open during the night market, catering to customers alongside the stalls.

Farizam Che Abdul Rahim, 38, who helps his brother at a satay stall, said some drivers just turn directly from the main road (Jalan Ng Weng Hup) into the night market area to buy food without getting out of their cars, or to drop off passengers.

“It is dangerous, especially when they stop abruptly or drop off passengers in the middle of the crowd,” he said.

He also said that despite having Rela personnel stationed here, cars still manage to get in.

“I think having Rela personnel at all the entrances will help.

“They should guide vehicles to safe parking spots, help prevent illegal or double parking, and stop drivers from entering the market area,” said Farizam.

Fruit vendor Kiew Lien Chiang, 47, said there was ample parking nearby on the main road, near the public field and by the shophouses.

Lee suggests better lighting at the food court carpark.

“People can park on the main road (Jalan Ng Weng Hup), near the field or near the shophouses at Lebuh Taman Pertama and Lorong Taman 9.

“Most of the shops are already closed by 6pm, so parking in front of them won’t disrupt their business,” he said.

“The only effective solution to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of visitors and traders is to completely block off access to vehicles once the night market begins operating, which is 5pm onwards,” Kiew added.

The First Garden night market is one of the more popular night markets in Ipoh, being able to draw hundreds of visitors from nearby neighbourhoods.

The incident on July 11 involved an 80-year-old man who lost control of his car at the First Garden Food Court.

Kiew says vehicles’ access to the street should be blocked once the night market starts after 5pm.

The vehicle crashed through a fence and into stalls along Lorong Taman 11.

Trader Ho Kar Yee, one of the victims injured in the crash, is still shaken by the incident.

“It crashed right into my tent, destroying everything, including all the dried goods I was selling,” said the 30-year-old.

Her estimated losses are around RM10,000 but she is thankful her five-year-old son, who usually sits with her, had just been taken away from the stall moments before the crash.

“I am still recovering from the trauma,” she said. She also hopes to be compensated.

In light of the incident, Lee Kwong Yew, 51, suggested better lighting at the food court carpark.

“The area is very dim at night, making it difficult for drivers to see their surroundings clearly,” he noted.

“If it is more well-lit, people can see better where the boundaries are and it may prevent similar accidents,” said the trader who sells fermented tofu.

Cars parked in front of shops before the start of night market operations.

Satay vendor, Norriza Hassan, 36, suggested a high cement wall to replace the steel-wire fence at the carpark.

“A tall and solid barrier should be able to prevent vehicles from crashing through it,” she said.

Norriza also noted that cars leaving the food court sometimes try to exit through the market lanes, which is dangerous for pedestrians.

Regular visitor I. Marie, 80, called for large “No Entry” signs and barricades at the night market’s entrances.

Another visitor, who wanted to be known only as Lee, 47, suggested a public address (PA) system to issue regular safety reminders.

“There should be clear announcements over speakers, telling drivers not to stop at the entrance or attempt to drive into the market lanes.

“Consistent audio reminders could help manage traffic flow,” he said.

When contacted, Jelapang assemblyman Cheah Pou Hian said he would coordinate with the night market organiser to reinforce safety measures.

He noted that while vehicle access was restricted from 5pm, some vehicles might already be parked before the road closures.

He said shop owners and night market sellers had always worked well together.

“Previously, there was some minor traffic jam as vendors came too early to set up their stalls.

“But after talking to them and rearranging the traffic flow, things are much better now.

“Some shops stay open during the night market hours, so some cars are also parked before the roads are closed,” Cheah added.