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Yik Foong Complex: A Nostalgic Icon of Ipoh

Yik Foong Complex
Yik Foong Complex, Ipoh

Step back in time and take a stroll through Ipoh New Town, where you'll come across the iconic Yik Foong Complex. The four-storey shopping centre has stood tall since its completion in 1983 and has become a nostalgic icon of the city. Located right across the street from the famous Ipoh Central Market, Yik Foong has cemented its place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike.

In its early days, Yik Foong set the trend for shopping malls in Ipoh, alongside its rivals Super Kinta and Perak Emporium. But Yik Foong's history goes beyond just being a popular shopping destination. The complex was built on the former site of the Lok Lum Club, a 105-year-old millionaires' club and Kuomintang gathering hub. This location adds to the rich history of the complex, making it a significant spot in Ipoh.

Yik Foong has evolved over the years, and today it is known as a "lepak" spot, a popular Malaysian term for a place to hang out and loiter. Visitors come to Yik Foong to shop for "cheap clothes, the latest albums from local, Western and Hong Kong pop stars. The complex is also a hub for beauty salons and all things IT and electronic.