By P. Chandra Sagaran
In line with the Government’s campaign of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Ipoh City Council had taken the initiative to launch the Road to Visit Malaysia 2026: Greater Ipoh at the council’s Dewan Azlan Shah.
The launch was officiated by Ipoh City Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin Md Daud on Feb 28.
Also present were Kampar District Council President Ahmad Suqairy Alias, Ipoh City Council councillors Chief Whip Datuk Mazlan Abd. Rahman,councillors,Council Secretary Ahmad Munir Ishak, Perak Director of Tourism, Art and Culture Ministry, Muhammad Aminuddin Abdul Majid,Perak Tourism Association Chairman Datuk Odzman Abd Kadir, representatives of district local councils presidents, Ipoh City Council senior directors and heads of departments.
The event involves Ipoh City Council,Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council,district local councils of Kampar and Batu Gajah.
There are attractive places in the three districts including Majid Ubudiah,Istana Kenangan and Victoria Bridge in Kuala Kangsar, Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah,Gua Tempurung in Kampar and limestone hills in Ipoh.
Rumaizi Baharin in his speech said “it is an effort by the government agencies, NGOs and tourism industry players to ensure the development and promotion of the industry in Greater Ipoh 2025 will go on smoothly in tandem with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“The involvement of all quarters will make the Greater Ipoh Tourist Region as the preferred tourist destination.
“Among the events and programmes this year are culture, sports , international seminars and others,” he added.
Perak recorded more than 8.4 million tourists arrival until November 2024 which exceeded the target of 8.3 million visitors .
Tourism Malaysia data revealed a total of 627,292 foreign tourists visited the state until September 2024.
The statistics is an increase of 135 percent compared to figures during the Visit Perak Year 2017.