IPOH: The first thought to visitors to Medan Station 18 in Lahat is that the town resembles a 'ghost town'.
This is because nearly all of the at least five blocks of shophouses there are uninhabited, dilapidated, and appear abandoned.
The area, which was planned for commercial development over 10 years ago, remains neglected, but its surrounding areas are bustling with occupied shophouses and located near two shopping malls.
Surveys show five rows of two- to three-story shophouses seem like abandoned projects.
The development at Medan Station 18 includes three rows of buildings along Medan Stesen 18/4, and two more rows on Medan Station 18/6 and Medan Station 18/22.
This does not include several other rows of shophouses in the area that appear uninhabited, even though their construction seems completed. It is understood that this situation has persisted for over 10 years.
While some nearby shop lots are in use, less than half of the premises in those rows are occupied.
At least two rows of buildings are visibly abandoned, with the area filled with piles of rubbish and overgrown vegetation.
A resident only known as Fazli, 41, said the sight of the abandoned commercial centre was an eyesore.
He highlighted such a situation should not occur, especially given that Ipoh is recognised as one of the leading tourist destinations in the country.
He also said the surrounding area was quiet, despite being located not far from two well-known supermarkets.
"Because of that, the area often attracts the homeless and drug addicts.
"Sometimes, illegal activities happen around the abandoned buildings, like drug users hiding there, theft, and vandalism, with graffiti on the shop buildings," he said.
Telecommunications store worker, Mohamad Arif, 31, said the quiet and deserted atmosphere in the area has made it a suitable spot for illegal activities, including online gambling shops.
"So far, I have not seen any drug addicts around the area, but at night, I often see people hanging out and sleeping on the sidewalks of the abandoned buildings," he added.
Amurul Rabbani Rashid, 31, said the area, known for theft and drug activity, makes the public uneasy and could contribute to dengue outbreaks due to stagnant water in the abandoned buildings.
"The abandoned buildings can easily become a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes.
"Drug addicts used to hang out there and even stole things like lights, fuses, and other equipment in the past," said Amurul.