Latest news with #PerakSejahtera2030
New Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Perak pushes for federal support to attract more investments
LUMUT: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has called on the federal government to support the state's efforts to ensure sustainable economic growth, particularly through improved infrastructure in key industrial zones and enhanced investment incentives. He said continued development is crucial to position Perak as a competitive investment destination. "To ensure sustainable growth, my administration and I humbly appeal to the prime minister to consider allocating funds for infrastructure development in key industrial areas, as well as introducing new investment incentive schemes, so that Perak can attract more investments. "The success of any industrial area heavily depends on efficient and effective connectivity and mobility networks. "For example, the success of LuMIC (Lumut Maritime Industrial City) greatly relies on the development of wider road infrastructure and rail networks for cargo and passenger transport to connect Lumut with other major cities," he said. Saarani said this during his speech at the Madani Rakyat programme at Lumut Waterfront here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He also expressed hope that the federal government would consider developing a more integrated transport network across Perak to better connect growth nodes with urban centres. Touching on the rare earth elements (REE) sector, Saarani reaffirmed Perak's commitment to becoming a leading player in the downstream mineral industry, in line with Anwar's aspirations. "As a pioneer and leader in mineral production, we embrace the prime minister's aspiration for Perak to become a key player in the downstream mineral industry. "The state government has initiated various efforts to realise the development of the entire REE industry value chain in Perak from upstream to downstream levels," he said. Saarani added that Perak hopes to become not just a national, but also a regional hub for mineral production. "We hope that the federal government will support efforts to develop the midstream and downstream REE ecosystem here in Perak. "This will not only strengthen Malaysia's global position but also transform Perak into a key mineral hub in the region," he said. Saarani said these requests stem from a strong belief that the implementation of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan must be aligned with the grand vision of Malaysia Madani. "We are confident that this is the path to achieving holistic and sustainable progress, not only for Perak but for the nation as a whole. "Therefore, the current momentum of development must not be allowed to stall. It must continue with stronger resolve, greater support, and more unified action," he said.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Shaping Ipoh into a ‘Doughnut City'
ONCE famed for its tin-mining industry, Ipoh is now on the brink of transformation. Perak's capital is adopting the 'Doughnut Economics City' concept which balances meeting human needs and the environment. 'It is Asia's first city to embrace the cutting-edge concept, a model that seeks to create a regenerative, inclusive and environmentally sustainable economy,' said Ipoh Doughnut Economic City Secretariat head Dr Zulqarnain Mohamad. The term 'doughnut' in Doughnut Economics refers to a visual framework for sustainable development developed by economist Kate Raworth. It is shaped like a doughnut (or ring) and represents a safe and just space for humanity to thrive. Once an underutilised natural site, Mirror Lake is now a thriving ecotourism destination. Ipoh City Council (MBI) will implement the pilot scheme, which is funded by a Hasanah Foundation grant, in collaboration with Institute Darul Ridzuan (IDR) and Sunway University's Centre for Planetary Health (SCPH). Zulqarnain said there had been significant momentum in moving forward several initiatives since the memorandum of understanding was signed with key partners in November 2023. 'This is one of the flagship programmes under the state's Perak Sejahtera 2030 development roadmap,' he said. Zulqarnain said Ipoh's evolution was a necessity. Once the richest tin-mining city in the world, Ipoh was forced to redesign its future after the global decline of tin following the shift to materials like plastic and aluminium. 'We had to move from a resource-based economy to sustainable industries like ecotourism and environmentally responsible development. 'Since 2023, Ipoh has undertaken a number of initiatives to put the concept into action. 'MBI has been actively developing its 'Ipoh Doughnut: City Portrait', which will serve as the city-level action plan, since last year. 'The city-level action plan incorporates other related existing action plans such as the Ipoh City Council Strategic Master Plan, Ipoh Smart Green City Plan and the Local Plan,' he said. A cleaner, greener Ipoh is part of the Doughnut Economics that seeks to balance humanity's needs with the planet's ecological boundaries. 'We hope to present the draft of the 'Ipoh Doughnut: City Portrait' to mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah soon,' he added. SCPH executive director Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood had previously said in an interview that Ipoh possessed a viable environment for the implementation of the Doughnut Economics concept. She said Ipoh was rich in biodiversity and this was a good opportunity to generate new economies that were inclusive and sustainable. 'We can create an environment where the economy is not based on the gross domestic product, but on the well-being of the people,' she said. Zulqarnain said several key demonstrator projects had also been outlined for Ipoh, with a focus on several themes that could bring the greatest change. Among the project's early achievements is Mirror Lake (Tasik Cermin), a once underutilised natural site which has been transformed into a thriving ecotourism destination. 'The food and beverage outlets at Mirror Lake are required to hire locals,' said Zulqarnain. MBI has been visiting companies to expand circular economy projects such as converting old tyre into pyrolysis oil. He said the Ipoh Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) was being enhanced and had been accredited as a green building, incorporating solar panels and rainwater-harvesting systems. He added that MBI was also upgrading the Ipoh Central Market to turn it into a green market, which would further reduce its carbon footprint. Zamakhshari had said that MBI received an allocation of RM15mil from Housing and Local Government Ministry, with RM500,000 allocated for the market's revamp. For the Ipoh Central Market design competition, elements such as natural sustainability, energy efficiency and pedestrian-friendliness had been prioritised. Separately, Zulqarnain said MBI's Ipoh Integrated Operation Centre had collaborated with Telekom Malaysia in using artificial intelligence to manage traffic flow within the city centre. The Ipoh Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) incorporates green elements through water saving and energy efficiency. He said MBI also hoped to expand its innovative circular economy projects, such as converting old tyres into pyrolysis oil. Besides just announcing steps to boost the economy, the environment including the limestones must be protected, he emphasised. 'For limestone karst studies, we are working with Universiti Sabah Malaysia and Sunway University. 'We are looking at the tourism potential of karst and its biodiversity. 'We have held mentoring sessions on the carbon-credit potential to protect limestone hills,' he said. Nevertheless, Zulqarnain acknowledged that turning theory into practice was quite complex. He said there was no manual on how to apply the Doughnut Economics concept, adding that cities like Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Melbourne in Australia and Brussels in Belgium were also experimenting in devising their own approaches. 'We are learning from them but also creating our own path to suit the local context. 'The broad scope of the framework, spanning economic, ecological and social well-being means that careful selection of measurable indicators is critical,' he noted. Zulqarnain said Doughnut Economics was not just about ecological sustainability, as it was about the people too. Zulqarnain (centre) explaining the Doughnut Economics concept to the public during Ipoh's Low-Carbon Day event held at Dataran Ipoh. 'It is about a circular economy with a human heart. 'We want safer streets, better jobs, cleaner air, all while protecting the environment.' He said to that end, MBI was taking concrete steps to improve socio-economic well-being by pushing for insurance and social protection for small traders when they apply for licences. 'We are also working with agencies like the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) on the minimum it can provide, so that if the sole breadwinner dies, the family does not suffer,' he said. According to Zulqarnain, in late 2021, SCPH, IDR and a team of experts presented a vision for Ipoh as the first city to adopt Doughnut Economics in Asia, to the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah and senior state government officials. This led to the Doughnut Economics concept being adopted in the overarching monitoring framework in the state blueprint. Upon the receipt of grants, a series of workshops, mentoring sessions, and community outreach programmes were held for MBI staff, industry partners and civil society. Ipoh's Urban Transformation Centre has been accredited as a green building as it has solar panels and rainwater-harvesting systems. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star and courtesy photos Zulqarnain said there had been public engagement on Ipoh's transformation into a Doughnut Economics City to ensure that citizens understood and supported the transition. This included town halls, Doughnut Economics booths at the Ipoh's Low-Carbon Day event and education on recycling in primary schools. 'We have held townhall sessions and provided briefings to all department heads and staff on the project's implementation stages. 'Last year, a special programme was conducted to introduce the concept to primary school pupils and create awareness of sustainable economic models. 'Ipoh is proving that small steps when guided by vision, can lead to transformative change. 'In the process, this former tin-rich city might just become an example for what urban development should look like, which is circular, equitable and built for both people and the planet,' said Zulqarnain.
New Straits Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Perak charts course to smart state with two strategic plans
KUALA LUMPUR: The Perak state government has launched the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak State Smart City Blueprint 2040, as part of its long-term vision to modernise the state. The twin initiatives aim to transform the northern state, with a population of around 2.8 million, into an inclusive, sustainable and competitive smart state driven by the digital economy. The strategic plans are centred on strengthening digital infrastructure, developing human capital and fostering innovation and technology investment to drive comprehensive, high-impact socio-economic growth. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the successful implementation of smart cities supports digital economic development, while digital economic growth strengthens a city's ability to become smarter and more resilient. "The Digital Economy Agenda is one of nine key agendas under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, launched in 2021, to develop an inclusive, resilient and sustainable socio-economy for all people of Perak," Saarani said in a statement. Meanwhile, he emphasised that both action plans were developed holistically and inclusively from the ground up. "We took into account feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including federal and state departments and agencies, local authorities, the private sector, academia, NGOs, and local communities. "This ensures that all strategies and initiatives are not only responsive to current demands but are also resilient enough to face future challenges with greater effectiveness and sustainability," he said. As a prime mover for a large part of the implementation of Perak Sejahtera 2030, Perak State Development Corp chief executive officer Datuk Redza Rafiq said both plans serve as comprehensive frameworks for driving digital technology adoption. He added the plans aim to improve the efficiency of public services, urban management and the overall quality of life for the people. "This, in turn, will further strengthen the state's administrative capabilities and position Perak as a more efficient and competitive state. "The action plan and the blueprint will serve as key reference points in realigning development priorities in a more systematic, progressive and data-driven manner, in support of the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030," he added.
The Sun
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Perak launches Digital Economy Action Plan 2030, Smart City Blueprint 2040
IPOH: The Perak state government today launched two important documents - the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said both documents were formulated based on the Perak Sejahtera 2030 vision, aimed at making the state more efficient, sustainable and prosperous through digital empowerment and data-driven urban planning. He said the Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 focuses on four main pillars: access to quality digital infrastructure, efficient digital public administration, a dynamic digital-driven business ecosystem, and an empowered digital society. 'A total of 21 programmes have been identified, with five catalytic projects prioritised. These include expanding digital coverage through the JENDELA initiative, developing Point-of-Presence (POP) infrastructure, and using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to improve connectivity in rural areas,' he said at the launch held at Hotel Casuarina here today. Other key initiatives include strengthening cashless payment systems for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and establishing centres of excellence such as the Smart Perak Research and Innovation Centre (SPRIN) and AI Academy. As for the Smart City Blueprint 2040, Saarani said it outlines seven core components, 22 policies, 52 strategies, and 132 phased initiatives to be implemented up to 2040, aimed at driving smart city development across the state. 'The blueprint aims to build cities that are more inclusive, responsive and sustainable, centred around the People-Centric Smart City concept which focuses on public needs and wellbeing,' he said. He also thanked the four local authorities — Ipoh City Council (MBI), Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI), Manjung Municipal Council (MPM) and Kampar District Council (MDKpr) — for being early adopters of the smart city agenda. To ensure effective and impactful implementation of both plans, the state has established the Perak Digital Economy Council (MEDi) and the Perak Smart City Steering Committee. 'MEDi comprises four strategic pillars - infrastructure, economy, public digitalisation, and society, with each led by the respective state executive councillor. 'The Smart City Steering Committee will follow a similar structure, as both initiatives are interconnected,' he added.
The Sun
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Perak launches Digital Economy Action Plan 2030
IPOH: The Perak state government today launched two important documents - the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said both documents were formulated based on the Perak Sejahtera 2030 vision, aimed at making the state more efficient, sustainable and prosperous through digital empowerment and data-driven urban planning. He said the Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 focuses on four main pillars: access to quality digital infrastructure, efficient digital public administration, a dynamic digital-driven business ecosystem, and an empowered digital society. 'A total of 21 programmes have been identified, with five catalytic projects prioritised. These include expanding digital coverage through the JENDELA initiative, developing Point-of-Presence (POP) infrastructure, and using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to improve connectivity in rural areas,' he said at the launch held at Hotel Casuarina here today. Other key initiatives include strengthening cashless payment systems for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and establishing centres of excellence such as the Smart Perak Research and Innovation Centre (SPRIN) and AI Academy. As for the Smart City Blueprint 2040, Saarani said it outlines seven core components, 22 policies, 52 strategies, and 132 phased initiatives to be implemented up to 2040, aimed at driving smart city development across the state. 'The blueprint aims to build cities that are more inclusive, responsive and sustainable, centred around the People-Centric Smart City concept which focuses on public needs and wellbeing,' he said. He also thanked the four local authorities — Ipoh City Council (MBI), Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI), Manjung Municipal Council (MPM) and Kampar District Council (MDKpr) — for being early adopters of the smart city agenda. To ensure effective and impactful implementation of both plans, the state has established the Perak Digital Economy Council (MEDi) and the Perak Smart City Steering Committee. 'MEDi comprises four strategic pillars - infrastructure, economy, public digitalisation, and society, with each led by the respective state executive councillor. 'The Smart City Steering Committee will follow a similar structure, as both initiatives are interconnected,' he added.
