The Nostalgic Glory of Kompleks Yik Foong in Ipoh
It is surprising that Kompleks Yik Foong still stands today, even if it is not as grand as it was since its opening around 1983.
Unlike other iconic and nostalgic supermarkets in Perak such as Parkson Ria,
Super Kinta
, Ocean, and Bingo Town in Ipoh. We are all aware that all the early supermarkets that were once glorious in Ipoh have now closed down. The complex that was once the talk of the town and a focal point for residents around Perak, especially for those living in the Kinta area, is Kompleks Yik Foong, located at the intersection of Jalan Laxamana and Jalan Sultan Idris Shah (Brewster Road). This complex holds many memories and nostalgia for those who are now mostly older.
Since the first day it opened to the public around 1983, Glory Supermarket was the anchor tenant that attracted visitors. Major competitors at that time were equally impressive supermarkets such as
Super Kinta
, Emporium Perak, Crescendo, and the Yau Tet Shin round bazaar. However, as mentioned earlier, they are all gone now, and only Kompleks Yik Foong remains. For your information, loyal readers of orangperak.com, Kompleks Yik Foong has now been rebranded and is known by many in Perak as Plaza Low Yat, Ipoh. This is because the businesses within the complex now specialize in electronic and IT-based products, which have kept it going to this day. Yik Foong Management Corp is the company that manages the nostalgic Kompleks Yik Foong in Ipoh city, Perak. Mr. Chen Tin Gan is the individual responsible for all management affairs as the corporate manager of Kompleks Yik Foong after Glory Supermarket ceased operations in 1996.
Filming at Kompleks Yik Foong
When Glory Supermarket ceased operations at Kompleks Yik Foong, the business concept of the tenants there shifted towards services like hair salons, fashion boutiques, and tailors. Most of the people doing business there were young people trying their luck and venturing into business at the then-glorious Kompleks Yik Foong. For your information, loyal readers of orangperak.com, SUB Fashion, which is very famous and has over 30 branches across Malaysia today, is said to have started its business at Kompleks Yik Foong. They are the producers of the SUB clothing brand and are among the pioneers and movers of the fashion world today, and Kompleks Yik Foong was their first location.
Today, most tenants in Kompleks Yik Foong are those dealing in electronics and IT-based goods. Most of the businesses in the complex involve mobile phones, computers, computer hardware, software, and accessories. Kompleks Yik Foong remains a destination for young people and veterans looking for mobile phones and electronic goods.
Top floor of Kompleks Yik Foong
Looking back at the past, do you remember the video game arcade on the top floor? As we know, the general rule for entering the arcade was to be 18 years or older, but the majority of the customers were teenagers under 18. This was the only entertainment available around Ipoh at that time. The experience of those who lived through the glory days of the four-story Kompleks Yik Foong is truly nostalgic. It is a precious memory and experience that cannot be found today. Do you, loyal readers of orangperak.com, still have old photos of Kompleks Yik Foong? Share them in the comments section for other readers to see and share your stories so we can all smile while reminiscing about the past.
