IPOH: The state government's plan to have a "shoe city" here seems to be in jeopardy due to the Perak Footwear Industry Association's financial difficulties.
Association president K.K. Tham said association members could not afford to pay the high rental demanded by the developer who had offered to rent its place to the association.
"We need the state's help to lower the rental," he said yesterday, declining to reveal the amount asked by the developer.
Tham said association members, being small and medium industry operators, would not be able to afford the high rental.
The association, said Tham, had sought the assistance of Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and state executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon on the matter.
"To date, we have been unsuccessful in meeting them," he added.
Speaking to reporters after the association's annual general meeting here, Tham said the proposed shoe city would be located at Medan Ipoh with a built-up area of 11,160 sq m.
Tham noted that if the shoe city takes off, it would bring in tourists.
"Besides catering to consumers, the city would also be able to cater to retailers and wholesalers," he added.
Dr Zambry was quoted to have said in August last year that the state planned to have the shoe city to showcase products from the footwear industry.
He also said in May this year that Ipoh contributed 60% of the country's shoe production
The Star
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