The Straits Times (Singapore): 8th. November 2004

IPOH'S GRAND REVIVAL PLANS

Bathe in a hot spring and enjoy wine in a cool cave

Property tycoon aims to restore good fortune to his home town
By Leslie Lau
Malaysia Correspondent
in Kuala Lumpur

THE Malaysian city of Ipoh is long past its prime, with scenes of rich tin-mining tycoons riding around in luxury cars replaced for many years now with a picture of an ageing population and few economic prospects.

But an old Ipoh boy is betting a RM1 billion (S$434 million) development will bring the shine back to the city that once produced the most tin in the world.

This week, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah's Sunway group opens a RM60 million water theme park called Lost World of Tambun built on a 16ha plot of land at the foot of the city's spectacular million-year-old limestone hills.

Across the road from the theme park, people are already moving into the Sunway City housing development, while lakeside villas are being built to cater for the well-heeled. A university campus will also be built soon to accommodate thousands of students.

Also on the cards is an international spa resort nearby that will incorporate a natural hot spring.

A giant wine cellar and restaurant will also be built into a limestone cave, its cool temperatures making the location a natural storage facility for wine.

'I have always felt nostalgic about Ipoh so I have always wanted to do something for Ipoh,' Tan Sri Cheah told The Straits Times.

The property tycoon, who made his fortune like his father through tin mining, says he remembers cycling to the site of his new development to boil eggs at the natural hot spring.

Now, he sees the hot springs, with water bubbling at around 75 deg C, as a perfect setting for an upmarket spa resort.

'Wouldn't it be nice to bathe in the hot spring and then enjoy some wine in a cool cave?' he said.

The Perak state government - Tan Sri Cheah's partner in the project - is hoping the venture will take off as a series of efforts at reinventing the state have failed in recent decades.

Perak, once one of the richest states in Malaysia due to Ipoh's rich tin deposits, has been in steady decline since the 1980s when global tin prices collapsed.

'It has been tough for Ipoh in particular. It is one of the few cities in Malaysia where the population has not grown in 10 years,' a senior state government official told The Straits Times.

Government officials and Tan Sri Cheah are now hoping the Sunway City project will generate excitement and enough business for Ipoh to start growing again.

The new theme park, modelled on Tan Sri Cheah's successful Sunway Lagoon resort and water park in Kuala Lumpur, will be the litmus test for whether the entire project will take off.

To manage the Lost World of Tambun, Tan Sri Cheah has hired an old hand at theme park management, Mr Paul Blunt, an Australian with experience in managing the Warner Bros park in Queensland.

'We hope to be able to give people a reason to stop in Ipoh,' Mr Blunt told The Straits Times, referring to Ipoh's reputation as a town often bypassed by motorists on the journey between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

The key feature of the water park will be the backdrop of limestone outcrops unique to Ipoh. The theme park itself has been fashioned after an Indiana Jones-type lost civilisation, with the centrepiece a series of water slides and wave generators.

Never been to Perak but it's such a beautiful place like those wild side in China. Gopeng has the best scenery i guess.

Never been to Perak but it's such a beautiful place like those wild side in China. Gopeng has the best scenery i guess.


what ?!?!?! :eek: Penang tak pernah pegi.....now Perak pulak? :D

Anyway your next time here we must make an excursion out of da city ;)

http://img118.exs.cx/img118/253/asia1.jpg
Manager with a mission: Lost World of Tambun GM Paul Blunt will bring Australian experience to bear on attracting visitors to Ipoh. -- LESLIE LAU

The name sounds a bit tacky..... :sly:

IPOH, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The new RM60 million water theme park here --


"Lost World of Tambun" -- is expected to attract 450,000 visitors annually, said Paul Blunt, general manager of Sunway Lagoon Water Park Sdn Bhd.

The theme park here is the sister theme park of Sunway Lagoon in Petaling Jaya. It will open on Nov 11.

The theme park was developed by Sunway City Ipoh Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sunway City Bhd.

"We are confident that this unique theme park, coupled with the integration of Ipoh's natural resources as part of its singular appeal, will draw both domestic and international tourists," Blunt said.

He disclosed that a five-star hot springs resort would also be developed at the theme park by 2007.

"With the development of the hot springs resort, we hope to be able to attract tourists form Singapore, Australia and Japan," said Blunt.

The company also plans to open a hypermarket by the middle of next year.

The "Lost World of Tambun" is within the RM1 billion 538 ha Sunway City Ipoh resort township.

The theme park, which incorporates the surrounding hotsprings, is developed over 16 hectares of land, resembling a lost civilisation similar to the "Indiana Jones" setting.

Its main attractions are "Cliff Racer", a ride at top velocity straight down from a speed coaster, and "Adventure River", Malaysia's longest river ride boosted by a wave generator.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysia’s Lost World



Known for its 5,000-year-old Neolithic paintings, the Tambun Caves is a Malaysian destination all its own. Its namesake, the Lost World of Tambun, a new 25-acre waterpark in Sunway City Ipoh, Perak, is on track for a September 2004 opening, bringing to life the ancient ruins and grottos of a lost civilization.

This new venture undertaken in Malaysia by the Sunway Group, makers of the Sunway Lagoon in Kuala Lumpur, has drawn on the stunning vista for inspiration, says General Manager Paul Blunt.



http://www.funworldmagazine.com/2004/Jul04/Departments/images/LostWorld.jpg




The theme is one of the main challenges of the park. Malaysian contractor Sim Leisure Consultants, in partnership with Sunway Design, is developing elements and landscaping that will transport guests to an ancient world. Vines, tropical plants, and jungle sounds make the setting come to life. Throughout the waterpark will be a mix of tube slides built by Australian Waterslides & Leisure, speed coasters, a wave pool, and a kids’ area that includes the first-ever adventure river in Malaysia and one of the longest rivers to feature a wave generator, Blunt says.

Hot Springs, one of the area’s most spectacular natural resources, will be incorporated into the park, giving guests the chance to experience the springs’ rejuvenating powers. Also incorporated into the park will be Tiger Valley, a concept made famous by Sunway in Malaysia. This newest display will feature a daily live interactive display and information session about these animals.

Monday January 17, 2005

Klebang a new growth area in Ipoh

BY DAVID TAN IN IPOH

IPOH, a major town with a population of about half a million located between Penang and Kuala Lumpur, is seeing significant residential and commercial development activities in its northern and eastern zones.

The locality in the north where residential and commercial projects are mushrooming is the Klebang area, within which the Kinta Free Trade Zone industrial area is situated. It includes land on both sides of the old trunk road to Penang, located between Chemor and Ipoh.

Raine & Horne International Zaki + Partners registered valuer James Chou Yee Seng told StarBiz that since the Kinta Free Trade Zone industrial area came into being in the early 1990s, residential and commercial developments in Klebang only gained growth momentum about three years ago.

“The development of Klebang started with single- and double-storey terraced houses. Currently, the trend has shifted to include semi-detached and bungalows as well as two-storey shop-offices.

In late 2002, Kinta Properties sold double-storey semi-detached houses with 3,595-sq-ft land area at about RM233,000. They can now price their 1,920-sq-ft double-storey terraces at RM173,800 onwards, which shows an increased acceptance by the Klebang market,” he said.

Chou said Klebang was attractive to developers because it could be accessed via the North-South Expressway, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, and Jalan Tasek.

“Also, the land is flat and was previously planted with rubber trees compared with development land that has been used for tin mining, which are common around Ipoh.

“Located in the middle of Ipoh’s northern development corridor about 15 minutes from the town, it is a major growth area, which has the potential to become a significant business centre in the city,” he added.

According to Kesavan Realty negotiator Jasmine Lee, new residential and commercial projects are also being developed next to Ipoh Garden East, moving eastwards towards Bandar Baru Tambun in the outskirts of Ipoh.

“Taman Ipoh Permai, Taman Perdana and Taman Bandar Baru Tambun are some of the ongoing housing schemes.

“In Taman Ipoh Permai, the ongoing projects comprise mainly double-storey terraced houses priced from RM180,000.

“The development in Taman Perdana mainly consists of double-storey terraces priced also from RM180,000 and semi-detached houses from RM270,000.

“In Taman Bandar Baru Tambun, the properties developed there also comprise mainly double-storey terraced and double-storey semi-detached houses, which are priced about 15% higher than properties in Taman Ipoh Permai and Taman Perdana. The properties in Taman Bandar Baru command a higher price because of their trendy designs and the housing scheme’s proximity to the North-South Expressway,” she said.

Kesavan Realty principal P. Kesavan said another growth area was Bandar Sunway, located also in the east of Ipoh, about 10km from the town centre.

“Development in Bandar Sunway has been going on since 1996. The first phase, comprising factories and shop-houses, has been completed.

“The development is now entering the second phase, going into double-storey semi-detached houses, which are priced from about RM180,000 to RM220,000,” he said.

Chou said the value of commercial properties along Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah and Jalan Sultan Idris Shah in the town centre had dropped considerably, mainly due to parking problems.

“For example, a 4-storey modern shop-house in Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah in 1996 could fetch a selling price of about RM600,000. Today, the selling price of such a property is around RM400,000.

“However, the value of pre-war shop-houses along Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah has appreciated since bottoming out a few years ago. A good number of pre-war shop-houses in the town centre area have been renovated and given new lease of life. The present selling price of such a property along Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah, before renovation, is around RM230,000, compared with about RM160,000 before the repeal of the Rent Control Act in 2000,” Chou said.

According to Lee, the shop-houses in Ipoh Garden South and Green Town Business Centre have appreciated.

“The current selling price of a double-storey shop-house in Ipoh Garden South is between RM450,000 and RM550,000, compared with RM270,000 and RM330,000 on the eve of the economic crisis of 1997.

“In the Green Town Business Centre, a double-storey shop-house is now sold around RM630,000, compared with about RM480,000 when launched in 1999. A 4-storey shop-house in Green Town Business Centre can now fetch a selling price of about RM1.2mil, compared with about RM735,000 when launched in 1995.

“Another up and coming residential area is the Meru Valley Resort. From 1999 to the present day, prices of vacant bungalow lots of 10,000 to 20,000 sq ft have risen from about RM12 to RM30 per sq ft, and those of town houses from RM240,000 to RM300,000,” she added.

Monday January 17, 2005

Kinta Properties plans to launch super-sized houses in Klebang

KINTA Properties Sdn Bhd plans to launch about 200 units of super-sized semi-detached and bungalow properties in Bandar Baru Sri Klebang early this year.

“The bungalows are scheduled for launching by Chinese New Year, while the semi-detached will be launched in April.

“These properties are larger than the conventional semi-detached and bungalows. The semi-detached houses each have land area of 3,405 sq ft, while the land area of the bungalows measures 8,000 sq ft.

“The conventional semi-detached and bungalow have 3,200 sq ft and 5,400 sq ft respectively,” said chief executive officer Dr Tan Chin Yong.

Tan said the price of the bungalows would range between RM450,000 and RM550,000 while the semi-detached houses between RM270,000 and RM350,000.

“Our strategy is to attract buyers from the higher income category and we want to give them more than their money’s worth,” he said.

Tan said the company's decision to focus on the development of super-sized landed residential properties was based on feedback received from house buyers of Bandar Baru Sri Klebang.

“In our previous launches of conventional sized bungalows with land areas of 5,400 sq ft and super-sized bungalows of 8,000 sq ft, we found the super-sized types had greater appeal and demand,” he added.

Purchasers of Bandar Baru Sri Klebang said they invested in the housing scheme because of the value for money and the potential of Klebang as a growth area.

Sharifah Noor Hamidah said her family needed bigger space and Kinta Properties' super-sized bungalows suited her needs.

“My double-storey bungalow, purchased for RM320,000, has five bedrooms and sits on a land area of 7,395 sq ft.

“Furthermore, Bandar Baru Sri Klebang is only a stone’s throw from hypermarkets such as Jusco and Makro,” she said.

Leong Sin Yee said she and her husband bought a double-storey shop-house in Bandar Baru Sri Klebang because Klebang was growing rapidly and designated by Ipoh City Council as a focal point for development.

“The Kinta Free Trade Zone, where the major industries are located, is also close by. Since we are going to run a cake shop, the strategic location of Klebang is ideal for us,” she said.

Meanwhile, MK Land Holdings Bhd chief operating officer K. Mohanachandran said the group had received good response for its 988 residential and commercial properties, comprising 756 single-storey terraced houses and 227 single-storey shop-houses, launched in Taman Klebang Putra late last year.

“The price of our single-storey terraces ranged between RM35,000 and RM124,000, depending on the size, while the single-storey shop-houses are priced between RM107,000 and RM163,888.

“We also invested RM3mil in the construction of a clubhouse with a variety of recreational facilities. Our strategy is to show our customers the type of facilities they will be getting at Taman Klebang Putra,” Mohanachandran said.

He added that the value of Taman Klebang Putra would appreciate when a proposed 40-metre road running through the project and connecting adjoining satellite townships such as Jelapang and Meru was implemented.

Goh Seong Pheow, a certified financial planner, said MK Land adopted the right strategy in developing single-storey shop-houses.

Goh, who owns three shop-houses in Taman Klebang Putra, said this was because the first floor of a double-storey shop-house did not command good rental value, especially in the suburbs. “An investor like me would use the money to buy two single-storey shop-houses rather than a double-storey shop-house,” he said.

Thursday January 13, 2005

Country’s best out to prove their worth in Ipoh

IPOH: Barring unforseen circumstances, the country's elite men and women bowlers will be in action in the national and inter-state championships at the Ampang Superbowl in the Ipoh Parade here from Jan 26-Feb 3.

Among the men are Azidi Ameran, Adrian Ang, Alex Liew, Ben Heng, Daniel Lim, Zulmazran Zulkifli and Aaron Kong. The women's competitions will see Wendy Chai, Shalin Zulkifli, Choy Poh Lai, Sarah Yap, Esther Cheah, Charlotte Sak and Elaine Lam in action.

The president of the Perak Tenpin Bowling Association (PTBA), Datuk Ishak Mohamed, said that these bowlers were required to compete in the nine-day meet because it served as one of the selection grounds for the new national team.

“Therefore keen competitions are on the cards among the top bowlers. The national selectors will spot for talent in the age-group events,” said Ishak at the launching of the championship logo by the Information, Youth and Sports, Art, Culture and Heritage committee chairman, Datuk Mohamed Zaim Abu Hasan, at the venue of competition on Monday night.

Zaim, who is also the chairman of the organising committee, said that the championships had drawn the full turnout of 15 teams, including Labuan.

A total of RM50,000 is at stake. The other prizes include a hand phone worth RM3,750 for the top bowler of the Masters qualifying event and a Rolex watch worth RM25,000 for a perfect game.

It will be the first time in more than 10 years that championships will be played in Perak and Zaim said that they were proud to play hosts.

Wednesday December 22, 2004

Over 75% new villages developed

IPOH: Over 50% of the 450 new villages in the country are moderately developed while 27% are well developed.

Another 19% have been classified as least developed.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said these findings were made by a consultant engaged by the ministry to complete a study of the villages to enable the Government to improve facilities for residents there.

“The ministry has successfully completed the profiling of the villages and will do further studies of the problems and lack of facilities there.

“We will then formulate a comprehensive action plan under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to ensure that the villages are continuously developed,” he said.

Ong, who is also MCA president, was speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting with new village heads and community leaders from Perak at the state MCA headquarters here yesterday.

Similar meetings, he said, would be conducted in other states to get more feedback on the problems faced by new villages.

The minister said Perak, with 135 new villages, had the highest number of such villages in the country.

“Of these, 62.7% are moderately developed while the least developed make up 27.6%,” he said, adding that 9.7% were well developed.

Later, after presenting a keynote address at the meeting of the Consultative Committee of District Councils here, Ong said the ministry planned to include the websites of all 144 local authorities in its main portal.

He said with this link, ratepayers nationwide only need enter the main portal to view the websites of their respective local authorities.

Ratepayers could also make complaints and get answers faster through the main portal.

However, he said, over 40 district councils did not have their own websites at the moment.

“The ministry will help these district councils set up websites and then include them in the main portal,” he said, adding that the move could be completed in less than five years.

Ong also advised local authorities to spend their funds wisely and give priority to the basics such as cleanliness before embarking on other projects.

Urbanisation Rate In Perak To Increase To 65.3 Per Cent
March 08, 2005 13:24 PM



IPOH, March 8 (Bernama) -- Perak, one of the most urban states in the country, is expected to see its urbanisation rate increasing to 65.3 per cent this year, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said Tuesday.

He said this was a gradual increase from 27.5 per cent in 1970, 32.2 per cent in 1980, before progressing to 56.2 per cent in 1995 and 59.5 per cent five years later.

The urbanisation rate was achieved following restructuring and the establishment of new development strategies, with manufacturing, agriculture, the service industry, tourism and education sectors as the focus, he said.

Among the notable projects are the expansion of the Lumut Port, the Tanjung Malim-Sri Iskandar academic corridor, the Lembah Beriah development project, Northgate Industrial Centre (Pengkalan Hulu) and Proton automobile city.

"As such, urbanisation has become an integral component of economic development in the state," he said when opening the International Conference on "Achieving Innovation and Best Practices in Urban Management" here.

Also present were State Local Government and Urbanisation Chairman Datuk Chang Ko Youn and Thiery Rommel, the ambassador of the European Commission and head of delegation in Malaysia.

Tajol Rosli also said that as there was a lot of ex-mining land in Perak, the state government was constantly searching for technical know-how and creative methods to rehabilitate and develop these barren land.

"This includes converting them into housing estates, fruit orchards, vegetable farms, fish-rearing centres, recreational parks, campuses for educational institutions and golf courses," he said.

The Kinta Valley in Perak was one of the biggest tin producers during the golden days of the mineral, from the 1880s to mid 1980s.

Later, Tajol Rosli told reporters that Perak was keen to learn from England's Cornwall county and Glasgow in Scotland on their experience and expertise in developing a city from former tin and coal mining industry areas respectively.

"Maybe we can send our officers there. But whatever development we plan, it should be private sector driven as it's more viable as shown by projects like Sunway Tambun, the Mines in Kuala Lumpur and Bandar Sunway (in Petaling Jaya)," he said.

-- BERNAMA

http://www.funworldmagazine.com/2004/Jul04/Departments/images/LostWorld.jpg
cool! A Sunway Laggon in Ipoh! Long time i never play in waterparks.

New Ipoh condos modelled after Mont' Kiara
Updated : 13-06-2005
Media : The Star
Story By : MAZNI MUSTAFA



THE former black area of Bercham in Ipoh is set to take on a new look, modelled after Mont'Kiara in Kuala Lumpur.

The RM38mil Ipoh Kiara Heights will reflect the modern condominium lifestyle in the “golden triangle?of Ipoh Garden, Tambun and Bercham when completed by the end of this year.

The two blocks of 13- and 14-storey condominiums, comprising 214 units, are located opposite the Makro hypermarket in Jalan Bercham and developed by Morubina group of companies

Morubina managing director Ting Sing Yiew said buyers would have possession of their units in December.

He said the first block of 111 units was about 40% ready and construction of the second block was expected to commence this month.

“About 90% of the 111 units from the first block have been sold. Units in the second block are now open for sale,' he said after the recent opening of the project's show unit.

Buyers are offered five designs with units priced from RM119,999 to RM179,999. The penthouse units cost RM399,999 each.

The project has full condominium facilities and amenities such as a swimming pool, a golf putting green, jogging tracks, a children's playground, a badminton court, a BBQ pit and clubhouse facilities.

The clubhouse facilities include a gymnasium, sauna, multi-purpose hall, indoor playland, mini-theatre, and a reading and computer room.

The condominiums are two minutes?drive from the Ipoh South interchange of the North-South Expressway and a 10-minute drive from the Sultan Azlan Shah airport.

Ting said every unit had a spectacular view of the city such as limestone hills and ponds.

'Our target clients are young working executives aged between 25 and 40 years,' he said.

He said the company had decided to do away with the terraced type of housing to cater to the shift towards a more modern lifestyle.

“Although terraced houses with spacious land is still preferred by the people here, changes in taste are slowly taking place,' he added.

http://img118.exs.cx/img118/253/asia1.jpg
Manager with a mission: Lost World of Tambun GM Paul Blunt will bring Australian experience to bear on attracting visitors to Ipoh. -- LESLIE LAU

pic shows the entrance to the Lost World
Ipohtalk (http://ipohtalk.com/ipohtalk/posts/863.html)

http://penangpage.com/pics3/merahcom2.jpg

Ipoh's new IT mall to set benchmark
Updated : 19-09-2005
Media : The Star
Story By : S.C. CHEAH



THE Emerald IT Mall, a one-stop centre for information technology (IT) products, will be launched soon in Ipoh.

The five-storey building with one level of basement car park will offer 250 to 300 sq ft retail lots priced at about RM1,000 per sq ft (psf).

Marketing director of Happy Point Sdn Bhd (the developer), Derek Lew told StarBiz that the RM1,000 psf set a new benchmark price for a new retail lot in Ipoh, but the lots provided value for money due to the proposed mall's strategic location.

It is right in the heart of Ipoh and just next to the Catholic School at Jalan Sultan Idris Shah. Some people may think that it is expensive, but there is value in it, he said, adding that many people from Ipoh and its surrounding areas had to travel to Kuala Lumpur to shop for IT products like computers, home security systems and IT accessories.

They go all the way to Kuala Lumpur. A lot of time is wasted. If people set up their IT business here, I am sure the prices of the IT products such as computers will be much cheaper.

Lew said the lower three levels would be for sale while the top two floors would be for rental. ¡§We plan to keep the top two floors as an IT education centre where there will be computer schools. It can also have commercial and music schools. We are allocating two cafes in the lobby area, he said, adding that he did not like to imitate other developers' concepts but wanted to do something unique and which had demand.

He said the Emerald IT Mall was being developed to meet the needs of the people. It can also be a tourist attraction as there will be Internet centres for tourists to surf the Internet.

Lew said it was a better investment to buy a shop lot at the Emerald IT Mall than a house. For example, a 250 sq ft to 300 sq ft shop lot costing, say, RM250,000 would get no less than RM2,500 in rental return a month compared to buying a RM250,000 house where the rental might be between RM600 and RM800 a month.

After five years, your shop lot may double in value because of its prime location and low density but what is the appreciation for the house? It might lose its value,¡¨ he said.

Lew's marketing style, based on integrity and delivery of a good and hard-to-find product, has caught the attention of many people.

He claims to have managed to turn around the previously failed project (under different developers) now known as Dataran Pahlawan into a huge success.

It is now the talk of Malacca. Dataran Pahlawan is a historical landmark not only for Malacca but Malaysia. It is a legend reborn. Why is it that most of my buyers are Malaccans? Well, this is because they want a piece of history as this (development) will not be repeated, he said.

The project is 70% completed and Phase 1 would be handed over next April. Phase 2 of Dataran Pahlawan will comprise a four-storey building dealing in gold products.

I like to take the lead. It's thrilling. People make mistakes in life mainly because of greed. They want to buy cheap and sell quick. We sell at a premium because our costs are high. We pay for the location. Prime is prime; you cannot change that and with the right concept, you can enhance the value even more, he said.

Lew said if one had a good product, the sale even from a soft launch should be enough to finance the entire project. One must always think of the purchaser and not neglect them after closing the sale. Developers must not only think of making money. Once there is a good relationship and trust with the purchasers, they will bring their friends and relatives to buy your future products, he added.

Perak seeks to privatise airport
Updated : 05-10-2005
Media : The Star


BATU GAJAH: Perak has sent a proposal to the Federal Government to privatise its Sultan Azlan Shah airport to the State Development Corporation (SDC) and AirAsia.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the proposal was made as part of the state's efforts to turn the airport into an international hub for Asean countries.

'We want to utilise the full potential of the airport and make it viable,” he told reporters at a Kinta district meet-the-people session here yesterday.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd currently runs the airport, which has only one flight a day to and from KL International Airport.

Tajol said the state government was currently awaiting federal approval on the venture that would allow the state, through SDC, to have a say in the running of the airport.

He added that the government was discussing with AirAsia on lengthening the airstrip so that large aircraft such as Boeing 737s could land easily.

The airline was also planning to have flights from Ipoh to Medan, Bangkok, Haadyai, Singapore and possibly Hong Kong.

'We are also discussing flights from Ipoh to Jeddah for Muslims to perform the umrah (pilgrimage), perhaps at fares of RM630 one way,” he said.

He said AirAsia had ties to a Saudi Arabian businessman who had indicated that the latter could arrange for the airline to land in Jeddah for the purpose of umrah only.

In July, Tajol had announced that a low-cost airline would be set up and based at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.

The airline's fares would supposedly be cheaper, and passengers would ideally fly first and pay later.

Ipoh set to be AirAsia hub
Updated : 04-10-2005
Media : New Straits Times
Story By : Shahrul Hafeez


The Perak Government is in final discussions to make Ipoh airport the operating centre for AirAsia's Asian destinations hub.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said today the plan was part of the State Government's proposed privatisation of the airport.

The State Government is awaiting the green light from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister's Department.

Tajol Rosli said having AirAsia operating from the airport would help optimise its capacity, which is under-used. "We are talking about AirAsia flying to cities including Hatyai, Singapore and Hong Kong from Ipoh."

Tajol Rosli also said Air- Asia was looking into umrah flights from the airport.

He said a businessman from Saudi Arabia was helping the airline obtain landing rights in Jeddah and the proposal had been submitted to the Economic Planning Unit. He said the State Government was looking to upgrade the runway to accommodate the Boeing 737 in line with the proposed privatisation.

Another project proposed to the EPU is the construction of an expressway linking Ipoh and Lumut.

"This will not only cut travelling time but act as a catalyst for the growth of towns along the expressway."

He spoke to the Press after attending the Batu Gajah district and land office Clients’ Day.

tell you what - talk about ipoh's rejuvenation - let's see some photos of ipoh's heritage...if anybody has some???

Have some pics in this thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=223651&page=1) as well.

AdamAir eyeing KLIA, Ipoh
Updated : 22-10-2005
Media : Business Times
Story By : ANNA MARIA SAMSUDIN


JAKARTA-BASED boutique carrier AdamAir is spreading further into Malaysia eyeing KLIA and Ipoh as its next regional destinations after Penang and Singapore.

Following success of its daily Penang-Medan-Jakarta flights, AdamAir president Adam Adhitya Suherman said the airline plans to start Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur and Surabaya-Kuala Lumpur services by next year.

The airline also plans to operate daily flight services to Ipoh but has yet to decide from which destination in Indonesia.

The 24-year-old entrepreneur said the expansion in Malaysia is in line with the airline's plan to widen its regional network.

Malaysia is indeed an important growth area for AdamAir. Looking at the favourable response for our current service to Penang, we believe that there is ample growth potential here.

We are now in a process of obtaining the approvals from the relevant authorities in Malaysia. Hopefully, we will be able operate these new services by next year, he told Business Times in a phone interview recently.

AdamAir, which began operations on December 19 2003, is currently the second largest budget airline in Indonesia.

With a fleet of 15 Boeing aircraft, the airline flies to 18 domestic destinations in Indonesia and one regional destination.

The airline will start Singapore-Jakarta flights on October 28 after obtaining landing rights from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

Analysts said the growing presence of AdamAir is anticipated to pose a major challenge to Malaysia's AirAsia.

Adam dismissed this saying that both airlines are operating under different business models and cater to different market segments.

He said boutique airlines are different from low-cost carriers (LCCs) because its services include certain amount of frills such as providing light snacks.

Adam said AdamAir plans to launch more regional services and is currently scouting for suitable destinations. Among the new routes in the pipeline are Singapore-Surabaya and Singapore-Bali.

To support its expansion, the airline would be increasing its fleet size to 19 planes by end of the year and 30 by end of 2006.

Currently, we are leasing all our 15 aircraft. We are now talking to companies such as Boeing and Airbus on leasing and purchasing additional aircraft, he added.

AdamAir has carried more than 400,000 passengers since it started operations in 2003, of which domestic accounts for 95 per cent of its passenger traffic.

The airline, which is enjoying more than 80 per cent average load factor on all its flights, managed to make profit within a year of its operations.

ADAM AIR (http://www.adamair.co.id/)

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The Lost World Of Tambun
by YokeWah Lee

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More pictures here (http://www.pbase.com/bleeyw/cameron&page=all)

nice!! but why so deserted?? maybe Bukit Merah have a bigger crowd

SO damn empty :(

Bukit Merah, Perak
More infos (http://www.impression.com.my/Perakmain/bukitmerah/laketown.htm)


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[url=http://www.bukitmerahresort.com.my/[Official site[/url]

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort offers you a variety of accommodation all at one location. From Laketown Inn located in the heart of the Resort to Perkampungan Air that sits upon the lake.

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The waterpark looks soo big and nice

btw...
that Adam Air news quite impress me

Perak to offer Internet service for free
Utusan Malaysia, 09 Sep 2005, p.6:-


Residents in the Perak state of Malaysia will soon be able to gain access to wireless Internet services free of charge once the Internet platform project is fully implemented statewide.

To begin, a 1.5-square kilometre (sq km) wireless Internet platform will be developed in Gerik to provide free Internet access by November 2005. Ipoh will follow next with its Internet service to be accessible within the January-March 2006 quarter, while Taiping and Kuala Kangsar will be linked subsequently.

The Internet platform project serves as the first effort of the Perak state government under its Perak Strategic Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Blueprint. Perak targets to secure a Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status come the year 2007.

Separately, Perak is working to be a hub for international calls via the voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. The proposed plan has lured investors from the UK and Hong Kong (names undisclosed).

Meru Valley Resort targets Japanese for serviced apartments
Updated : 24-11-2005
Media : The Star
Story By : HAH FOONG LIAN IN IPOH


RESORT property developer Meru Valley Resort Bhd is targeting the Japanese visiting Ipoh to rent its serviced apartments.

This follows a two-year research among 50 Japanese who stayed in the resort's trial units.

Meru Valley Resort (http://www.meruvalley.com.my/) executive director Lim Si Boon said the company had come up with various types of services for its fully furnished Meru Suites in Meru Valley after obtaining feedback from these Japanese during the trial stays.

'We are confident the Japanese would be interested in staying in our serviced apartments because we had received a lot of inquiries even before we were ready to accept any guests,” Lim said at the launch of the apartments last week.

A Japanese couple from Hokkaido was already staying at one of the suites before the serviced apartments were launched, he said.

He added that the company expected occupancy to reach between 60% and 80% in the first year.

Lim said there were 29 units with built-up area of over 900 sq ft which had been furnished at a cost of between RM30,000 and RM35,000 each.

Rental depends on the length of stay - ranging from RM1,800 per month for tenancy of more than six months to some RM2,000 monthly for guests staying less than six months.

Lim said the apartments offered various services such as providing a mobile phone with all the necessary contact numbers, Internet access and shuttle service to shopping centres in the heart of Ipoh.

'We can also arrange for Bahasa Malaysia and English lessons for guests,” he added.

Ipoh

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Renovating Ipoh station (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=3529517#post3529517)
by Jason

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Majestic Hotel (http://www.journeymalaysia.com/cityipohmajestic.htm)

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Ipoh has many nice heritage buildings:happy:

I am Jee Shyan... from Ipoh... nice to meet you all here.

Ipoh boleh, thanks for collecting a lot of news about Ipoh...

^ welcome to the forum, yan! Are you in Ipoh currently? :)

^ welcome to the forum, yan! Are you in Ipoh currently? :)
Nice to meet you here... Actually my name is Jee Shyan, surname is Oh. I stay at Ipoh now... Work for my parents, how about you all?

I am Jee Shyan... from Ipoh... nice to meet you all here.

Ipoh boleh, thanks for collecting a lot of news about Ipoh...

hi there, Jee Shyan!! welcome to the forum!

WELCOME TO THE FORUMS JEE SHYAN!!! :cheers:

Yea......we would definitely like to hear more of Ipoh! :okay: If possible give us some pics too :D

WELCOME TO THE FORUMS JEE SHYAN!!! :cheers:

Yea......we would definitely like to hear more of Ipoh! :okay: If possible give us some pics too :D
Sure, no problem... I will update some when free.

Another good news to tell... There is a new chinese forum and new english forum special for PERAK state now. :)

Good News Or Bad News?

Business
December 04, 2005 20:10 PM E-mail this news to a friend Printable version of this news

Tajol: Perak Avoids Big Investment In Two Costly Projects

IPOH, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- Perak will not invest in two investment opportunities worth more than RM100 million offerred by two high-tech companies from the United States as it was not the state's policy to invest big amount in high risk projects.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said however the state government instead had offered a piece of land as its part of the investment and negotiations are still continuing.

He said the state government instead concentrates on safe projects that would definitely bring in returns like palm oil cultivation.

"Even if problems arise when investing in palm oil cultivation, the land still remains as an asset," he told reporters after officiating Children's Day celebrations organised by Wanita MCA Perak, here.

Tajol was asked on the offers made to the state government early this year by two American firms, one that wanted to make Ipoh as its hub for a dedicated internet service and the other one that wanted to generate electricity utilising solar energy.

The Menteri Besar said the state government was not willing to invest in both projects as it involved a big sum.

"Anything can happen. This type of investment involves high risk as we won't get anything in return in the event the companies pullout. The state government would never invest if there was no guarantee that it is 105 percent profitable," he said.

-- BERNAMA

New Ipoh International Business Center
Ipoh, Malaysia
Source : smith group (http://www.smithgroup.com/Workplace/Content/Projects/Project.asp?pn=517&pt=4&ptn=0)

The New Ipoh International Business Center Project is a 2.8 million square foot, mixed-use project including residential and commercial office towers. It is organized around a central pedestrian spine which creates the synergy of activity and movement. Along this pedestrian environment, at the heart of the project, will be a landmark public plaza functioning as a gathering place for both the project and the city. Experiences are choreographed into sequences including stylish urban street retail, indoor/outdoor landscaped gardens, indoor/outdoor entertainment, exhibition and theater.

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yay!! highrises for Ipoh. Finally!!

Great!!! But where is it?

Ipoh As The Hub For Low Cost Carriers One Step Closer To Reality


IPOH, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- The Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh has moved a step forward in its efforts to become the northern region hub for low cost carriers (LCC) with AirAsia flights between Ipoh and Senai commencing on Feb 1.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the airport would be the base for LCCs plying local destinations, including Sabah and Sarawak, and neighbouring countries.

"We will also invite all LCCs who have agreement with our country to use the airport in Ipoh," he told reporters after visiting the airport here, today.

He said the proposal to turn the airport into LCC hub was earlier mooted by the Perak State Government and AirAsia Berhad.

"My visit here is to see the condition of the airport. The ministry found that there is a potential for the airport to be the LCC hub and for a start we have given approval for AirAsia to start flights between Ipoh and Senai (Johor) beginning Feb 1," he said.

He said, if the flight frequencies increase, the government would expand the airport including its terminal and the runaway to accommodate aircrafts bigger than the Boeing 737.

The airport now caters flights to KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang and Medan, Indonesia. The airlines operating at the airport are Malaysia Airlines, Merpati Nusantara Airlines, Jentayu Airlines and Kartika Air.

Meanwhile Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the ministry's decision to allow AirAsia to begin flights to Senai is a good development in efforts to revive the airport.

He said with low parking charges, AirAsia can also utilise the airport as a maintenance centre for aircrafts apart from being the LCC hub.

AirAsia's Chief Executive Officer Datuk Tony Fernandes who joined the visit said he was confident in helping the state government in making Ipoh as the LCC hub for the northern region, playing a supplementary role to KLIA.

He said initially the Ipoh-Senai sector would see four flights per week before daily flights begin.

-- BERNAMA

i also wud like 2c flights from ipoh to bangkok, macau, kuantan, kuching, and kota kinabalu..

jeeshyan - pls post pics of the airport pleez pleez... ;)

Great!!! But where is it?
the project was mooted qte stms back... but i also dunno where. must be in one of the caves ha haaa..

the project was mooted qte stms back... but i also dunno where. must be in one of the caves ha haaa..
haha... currently the Greentown Square is going to complete very soon... Many many shoplots and new business centre will be setup there... The urban area is more attractive sooner.

Ipoh Streets Pictures... More city view pictures will be uploaded soon!

AirAsia to fly to Ipoh
Friday December 9, 2005
By SYLVIA LOOI



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Tajol Rosli(right)presenting a memento to Chan.With them are
Fernandez(left)and Ong.




TRANSPORT Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy brought cheer to Perakians when he announced that low budget carrier AirAsia would begin flights from the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh to Senai, Johor, in February.

He made the announcement when he was on his first working visit to the airport in Ipoh recently.

Among those present when he broke the news were Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali, MCA secretary-general Datuk Ong Ka Chuan, state executive councillors Datuk Ho Cheng Wang, Datuk Tan Chin Meng and AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandez.

On suggestions from the state government to turn the airport into a low-cost carrier hub, Chan said the Federal Government was looking into the matter.

He said with AirAsia flying into the airport, it would bring about positive changes to the city and its surrounding areas.

“As Perak has a lot of tourism resources, having an air link will add to the state’s tourism development,” he added.

On request from the state to upgrade the airport’s facilities, Chan assured that the Government would look into it.

“We will not disappoint the state government,” he said.

Thinking of which one is the next destination... IPOH BOLEH!!!

Electrified Double Track Project Between Rawang and Ipoh

This project involves the construction of a new track (179 km) and upgrading of the existing track to allow for a maximum design speed of 160 kph. The other components of the project involved the construction of new concrete railway bridges, culverts, 14 stations, 40 overhead road bridges to eliminate all level crossings, construction of a new EMU Depot at Batu Gajah, overhead 25kV 50Hz electrification system, modern signalling and communication, Automatic Fare Collection system, land acquisitions and relocation of squatters.
The main objectives are:-

*
to extend the existing commuter service from
Seremban - Rawang sector to Seremban - Tg. Malim sector
with an average number of service of 100 trips a day.
*
introduction of a rapid intercity service, between
Ipoh – KL Sentral for 16 services a day and ultimately
32 services a day.
*
to upgrade existing rail infrastructure for the increase
in track capacity for commuter, intercity and freight trains.

The Contract for Infrastructure Package was awarded to DRB-HICOM on 17 July 2000 and System Package awarded to Mitsui Co. Ltd. - Mitsui Transportation Systems Consortium on 10 January 2001.

The work under the infrastructure package has been 19 months behind schedule. This has resulted in consequential delays to the system works. However, the Ministry of Transport had taken action to terminate DRB-HICOM’s contract and handover the project site to UEMC starting on 1 June 2005 to complete the remaining portion of the infrastructure works.

With the commissioning of the project which is expected by end 2007, KTMB will be able to introduce rapid intercity trains from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh and extend the Commuter services from Rawang to Tanjong Malim

Rail Infrastructure Development At Batu Gajah

The State Government of Perak has designated a plot of land of approximately 400 acres for the development of new railway facilities in Batu Gajah. This project involves the construction of a new workshop, EMU depot, training centre and quarters for KTMB’s critical staff.
The preliminary survey work and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study were completed in July 2003. Tender had been called by the Ministry of Transport for the selective tenderers for two separate package of tender on 11 May 2005. Package 1 tender (Workshop & Depots) closed on 13 August 2005 and Package 2 tender (Staff Quarters & Training School) closed on 13 July 2005. Works are expected to commence by end 2005.

Project completion is targeted by mid 2008 in order to accommodate relocation of the existing workshop facilities in Sentul. This would enable the site presently occupied by the Sentul Workshop to be handed over to Sentul Raya Sdn. Bhd. for further commercial development.

Air Asia now fly to Ipoh...
only RM9.99 from Ipoh to Johor Bharu...

January 05, 2006 20:13 PM

Govt Assessing Coaches For Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh Electric Train


IPOH, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- The government is assessing the trains to buy for the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh electric train service which is scheduled to commence in early 2008.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said Thursday that the government was looking for the most suitable model but did not disclose details like the cost or the manufacturer.

He was speaking to reporters at the railway station here after arriving from Kuala Lumpur on board a train to inspect the progress of the construction of the 204km Ipoh-Rawang electric double-track railway.

He said the RM4.1 billion project was scheduled for completion by the end of 2007.

"The infrastructure works which are now 84 per cent completed are scheduled to be ready end of this year while the system works will be fully completed by end of next year to enable the service to be launched in early 2008," he said.

On the service for the route, he said the journey between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur would take more than two hours and the train would only stop at the Batu Gajah, Kampar, Tapah, Slim River, Tanjung Malim and Rawang stations.

"This means that Ipoh residents can commute to work in Kuala Lumpur," he added.

The project was delayed before it was taken over by UEM World Bhd from DRB-Hicom Bhd last June.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia's Johor-Ipoh flights to start on Jan 24
09 Jan 2006 8:18 PM


AirAsia Bhd will start its Johor-Ipoh flights on Jan 24 following a request from the government for earlier flights to cater for demand during the Chinese New Year.

The new flights will be on Jan 24, Jan 26 and Feb 3, it said in a statement on Jan 9. AirAsia flight AK9564 will depart from Johor at 5.25pm and arrive in Ipoh at 6.25pm while AK9565 will depart from Ipoh at 6.50pm and arrive in Johor at 7.50pm.

The budget carrier said on Jan 9 the new dates were in response to a request from Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy for AirAsia to offer flights earlier than originally scheduled.

AirAsia had announced on Jan 5 that it would begin flights to Ipoh, Tawau, Kota Bharu and Sandakan from its hub in Johor for the first time on Feb 6.

The airline will operate four flights weekly (every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Ipoh and Tawau; and three flights weekly (every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) to Kota Bharu and Sandakan.

AirAsia's Johor-Ipoh flights to start on Jan 24
09 Jan 2006 8:18 PM


AirAsia Bhd will start its Johor-Ipoh flights on Jan 24 following a request from the government for earlier flights to cater for demand during the Chinese New Year.

The new flights will be on Jan 24, Jan 26 and Feb 3, it said in a statement on Jan 9. AirAsia flight AK9564 will depart from Johor at 5.25pm and arrive in Ipoh at 6.25pm while AK9565 will depart from Ipoh at 6.50pm and arrive in Johor at 7.50pm.

The budget carrier said on Jan 9 the new dates were in response to a request from Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy for AirAsia to offer flights earlier than originally scheduled.

AirAsia had announced on Jan 5 that it would begin flights to Ipoh, Tawau, Kota Bharu and Sandakan from its hub in Johor for the first time on Feb 6.

The airline will operate four flights weekly (every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Ipoh and Tawau; and three flights weekly (every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) to Kota Bharu and Sandakan.
Finally it came, I think I need to go to airport to have a look... haha...

Do you believe that? Almost all Ipohan go to airport need only maximum 20 minutes... from my home only need 10 minutes, haha...

I read chinese new paper that AirAsia is planning to have flights between China cities and Ipoh.

I read chinese new paper that AirAsia is planning to have flights between China cities and Ipoh.
Yes, if not mistaken, is Guang Zhou. :) Ipoh city majority is chinese, flight to China is good news... :)

But I also heard that Ipoh-India, Ipoh-Indonesia will launch soon, thinking of who fly so frequently to India... hahah!!!

Ipoh's development

Various development activities has been mooted and revived in the city recently, including the revitalisation of projects halted during the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

Modern entertainment and recreation

The Greentown area near Ipoh City Council Building is fast becoming an entertainment hotspot. The coming online of Greentown Business Center is giving new life to the city centre. The general activities in the new development consists mostly of restaurants, food outlets, and cafés.

Medan Ipoh (formerly known as Metro Ipoh Baru) is a favourite for many younger people. The residents of the city have dubbed the area as Ipoh's very own 'Bangsar' (akin to the hip Bangsar area in Kuala Lumpur). It is located adjacent to Ipoh Garden East. The place is famous for its cluster of nightspots, cafés, coffee shops (serving local food), entertainment outlets, F&B (food and beverage) joints, and more recently cybercafés.

The UK giant retailer, Tesco, has recently opened a new outlet in this area. Kinta City Mall (a popular shopping place for locals, owned by the giant Jusco departmental store chain from Japan) is also located adjacent to Medan Ipoh and Tesco.

The recently opened "Lost World of Tambun" is expected to gain a certain following as Ipoh's own "Sunway City" (mirroring the actual "Sunway City" which is located about 15 km east of Kuala Lumpur). Within the "Lost World of Tambun" is the upgraded and revived natural hot spring, which was very popular in the 1960s and 1970s. It is also the location for Ipoh's another hypermarket, Giant Hypermarket.

Shopping in the city center can be quite cumbersome, especially those who travel by cars. Finding a parking space in the middle of the city can be difficult; the number of parking space are simply not enough. However, there are several shopping centers in Ipoh that incorporated with ample parking space. Those are The Store and Ipoh Parade. The latter is Ipoh's largest shopping center that accomodate two anchor tenant, multi-hall cinema, bowling alley and a food court. Carparks are ample, though it can be tricky in the weekend.

It is sad to say that the vibrant of the city center has gone as the years goes by. An effort made by the city council to re-establish the night market centrally can be applauded. Dato' Tahwil Azar Road was chosen for the site if the relocation, and known as "Night Lane". Actually, it's a typical,ordinary Malaysian night market, albeit bigger and with longer operating hours.

by tk_yeoh
Ipoh railway station

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Deer farm near Chemor and Sungei Siput, Perak.

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Kellie's Castle

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Tambun is a town near Ipoh, Perak. Famous for its pomelos. These limestone hills are near "Lost World of Tambun".
by tk_yeoh

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Sungei Siput

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Ipoh

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Thanks for sharing these beautiful Ipoh Picture... :)

Highrise Condo in Ipoh.

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There are a few highrises at Ipoh... may be the government's law to make sure the height would not affect the aeroplane... but this one is long time ago one.

Should relocate the airport as it is blocking the development of the city. A city without highrises does not reflect that it is the 3rd largest city (in term of population, with about 800,000) in the country.

Should relocate the airport as it is blocking the development of the city. A city without highrises does not reflect that it is the 3rd largest city (in term of population, with about 800,000) in the country.

A city without highrises is not such a bad thing, a lot of Ipoh sized European cities do not have "highrises". Its the utilization of space and real estate in Ipoh that matters. Whats up with that tall tower block by the Ipoh, Jelapang toll on the NS highway, it seems slightly out of place? Apart from the odd boring tallies in Ipoh town, I think Ipoh's low rise buildings have some of the most facinating architecture in Malaysia. Check out Ipoh railway station!!! I think its THE best looking train station in Malaysia. my 2 sen.

A city should have some unique buildings to attract attention and later turning into attracting more foreign investment. Tall buildings are the best to represent the attractions of a city.

Look at KL, it is now very famous after building the tallest twins in the world. Why NY and HK are so famous? Shanghai also get very lively after building a few talls in the Pudong area and more investment pouring into the city. Taipei also getting more international attention with the Taipei 101. AND now a lot people turning their attention to Dubai.

In terms of Feng Shui, tall buildings will attract some good fortune to a city especially money luck.

A city should have some unique buildings to attract attention and later turning into attracting more foreign investment. Tall buildings are the best to represent the attractions of a city.

Look at KL, it is now very famous after building the tallest twins in the world. Why NY and HK are so famous? Shanghai also get very lively after building a few talls in the Pudong area and more investment pouring into the city. Taipei also getting more international attention with the Taipei 101. AND now a lot people turning their attention to Dubai.

In terms of Feng Shui, tall buildings will attract some good fortune to a city especially money luck.
Actually Ipohan ourself also looking for more highrises for our city, since it was such a long time that the last highrise commercial building built here. The last one is PTTC Building near the Jelapang toll plaza.

Any big company are willing to build their highrise at Ipoh? You are welcome... We are looking for a building excess 20 storey... :)

A city without highrises is not such a bad thing, a lot of Ipoh sized European cities do not have "highrises". Its the utilization of space and real estate in Ipoh that matters. Whats up with that tall tower block by the Ipoh, Jelapang toll on the NS highway, it seems slightly out of place? Apart from the odd boring tallies in Ipoh town, I think Ipoh's low rise buildings have some of the most facinating architecture in Malaysia. Check out Ipoh railway station!!! I think its THE best looking train station in Malaysia. my 2 sen.
Ipoh railway station and KL railway station are also nice... but Ipoh railway station are right at the most busy main street at Ipoh town centre and also with a flower garden... It may better if the fountain there is functioning like the old time.

A city should have some unique buildings to attract attention and later turning into attracting more foreign investment. Tall buildings are the best to represent the attractions of a city.

Look at KL, it is now very famous after building the tallest twins in the world. Why NY and HK are so famous? Shanghai also get very lively after building a few talls in the Pudong area and more investment pouring into the city. Taipei also getting more international attention with the Taipei 101. AND now a lot people turning their attention to Dubai.

In terms of Feng Shui, tall buildings will attract some good fortune to a city especially money luck.


LOL...you're being shallow ler....c'mon just look at London and Paris...they're top notch cities yet they don't have many highrises

LOL...you're being shallow ler....c'mon just look at London and Paris...they're top notch cities yet they don't have many highrises

LOL..ya you right they don't have much tall buildings as of now but these two also have had some high rises such as London bridge (although it is not tall as of now but it was one of the tallest in the world when it was built) and now London eye. Paris has this Eiffel tower and it was the tallest in the world. That's why they are very famous till now.

LOL..ya you right they don't have much tall buildings as of now but these two also have had some high rises such as London bridge (although it is not tall as of now but it was one of the tallest in the world when it was built) and now London eye. Paris has this Eiffel tower and it was the tallest in the world. That's why they are very famous till now.

^^ Does ipoh need a tall building to be a landmark? I personally think not. I can think of Vienna, Munich, Budapest, Barcelona, they don't have well known impressive high rises, what they are best known for are they're stunning low rise architecture and urban design.

If you all guys free... take a visit to Museum Darul Ridzuan, there is a exhibition of "Ipoh Story", showing a lot of old pictures and stories about how Ipoh is being developed...

Date: 16-Jan to 12-Feb
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Ipoh doesn't need tall buildings to be famous or successful. it needs to be famous and successful to have tall buildings :D

i agree with Subangite about this matter. European cities are good examples here.

as all of us here loves skyscrapers, of course having lots of skyscrapers is somewhat pleasing ha ha... i'm not saying Ipoh should not build highrises. my point is that it doesn't need it to be attractive, famaous, etc;)

Relaxing life in Ipoh made it became the best places for old folks. It is hard to see traffic jam or long delay in traffic in the city centre except at public holiday like Chinese New Year or Middle Autumn Festival.

But recently, some commercial area at Bercham, Ipoh Garden East, Menglembu, Silibin and Tambun start to have traffic jam during the peak hour. Silibin, Menglembu and Tambun's Main Road need to expand to 4 lanes. However Bercham and Ipoh Garden East need more flyover now... Now only one of the junction at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Utara is having construction of flyover.

Teluk Batik

Approximately 84 km south of Ipoh is the quiet coastal town of Lumut which is now the base of the Royal Malaysian Navy and the jumping-off point to Pangkor island. Many locals, however, do not take the ferry to Pangkor but instead head for Teluk Batik, a pleasant beach about 6 km from Lumut. Here the white sands and swaying coconut trees make it an ideal site for relaxation and swimming. At low tide, some hard corals become visible. Chalet accommodation is available.

http://pesona.mmu.edu.my/~zulkefli/webphoto/images/Teluk%20Batik%201.jpg

http://pesona.mmu.edu.my/~zulkefli/webphoto/images/Teluk%20Batik%205.jpg

January 15, 2006 18:08 PM E-mail this news to a friend Printable version of this news

MK Land Buys Land For RM277 Million

IPOH, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Property developer, MK Land Holdings Berhad will further invest in the construction of affordable housing units in Perak after acquiring land worth RM277 million in Meru, near here.

Its executive chairman Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu Bakar said the project, which would start end of this year, was a continued effort after the successful launch of its housing project in Taman Klebang Putra at Ipoh-Chemor road, with all the units sold and completed earlier than scheduled.

Negotiations on the purchase with owners of the 36.8 hectares and 40.8 hectares of land were in the final stages, he told reporters after presenting the keys for the Klebang Putra low cost terrace houses here today.

He said the area would be developed for affordable homes, using a similar concept as the new housing scheme in Klebang, that is Taman Klebang Putra.

He said Taman Klebang Putra which was first developed in 2003, received occupants end of last year with the handing over of several units under phase one of the affordable houses.

As a whole, 1,377 residential units are expected to be fully completed by the end of this year while 664 units of houses have been handed over to their owners, with gross development valued of nearly RM38 million, he said.

The residential area to be built in Meru will maintain the housing concept as that in Klebang Putra-- residents-friendly, and equipped with surau, police booth, clubhouse equipped with gymnasium, swimming pool as well as cafeteria and recreational park to provide comfort for the residents.

At the function, State Secretary Datuk Abdul Hanan Alang Endut presented the keys to 108 house owners.

He said construction of the residential area was scheduled to start end of this year with the full support from the state government.

Mustapha Kamal said his company dared to invest in Perak after the success of several projects previously and regarded MK Land as the largest development partner in the state.

-- BERNAMA

State Government Focuses On Three Issues

IPOH, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- The state government will focus on three aspects of development under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) to ensure Perak becomes a developed state by 2015.

They are raising the per capita income of the people, eradicating poverty and housing for squatters.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said all state exco members and department heads would meet on March 5 and 6 to discuss the development under the 9MP.

A total of 23 working papers would be discussed during the conference, he said after chairing a state exco meeting, here Wednesday.

Among the measures to be taken in poverty eradication would be to hold cross checking between agencies and head counts.

The district offices will be asked to gather data and take pictures of the houses of the hardcore poor to prevent duplication of aid, he said.

He said the state government would hold Perak Fair in Medan for four days from Feb 24 to introduce state products to Indonesia.

Among the products would be medication, education, housing and hotels.

"Two MoU would be signed on medication and education," he said.

The state is expected to receive more people from Medan looking for these services when Air Asia started a direct flight from Ipoh to Medan beginning from March 1, he said.

-- BERNAMA

February 25, 2006 23:32 PM

Perak Welcomes Twinning Offer For Ipoh From Medan

MEDAN, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali on Saturday welcomed an offer from Medan for Ipoh to be its twin city.

"We accept the offer. The Mayors of both cities can discuss the matter further and the areas where we can step up co-operation," he told reporters after launching the Perak Fair 2006 here today.

Tajol Rosli said the twinning programme would pave the way for more Medan residents to come to Perak for tourism, education, investments and medical treatment.

He said among measures that could be taken for the purpose were increasing flight frequencies between Ipoh and Medan and improving tourism infrastructures in the state.

Perak would also discuss with the Mayor of Medan to start a Medan Fair in Ipoh, he said.

-- BERNAMA

100,000 expected to visit cave
Wednesday March 1, 2006
By SILVIA LOOI and CLARA CHOOI


PERAK has targeted 100,000 visitors to Gua Tempurung with the upgrading of the fa-cilities there.

State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan said some 50,000 tourists, mostly from Singapore, Germany and China, visited the cave last year.

“We anticipate more people to visit the cave with the completion of new amenities in the vicinity such as four-wheel and motocross circuits,” he said recently.

Mohd Radzi said there were also plans to build a golf course and a field within the area to organise extreme games such as abseiling and flying fox. He added that a plot for recreation and camping had also been set aside.

Located about 25km south of Ipoh city, Gua Tempurung is reputed to be one of the famous limestone caves in the Asean region due to its unique shapes of stalactites and stalagmites that were formed over thousands of years.

Recently, the visiting British Ipswich Grey-hounds Regiment cricket team made it a point to visit Gua Tempurung after playing a friendly match with a local cricket club at the Ipoh Padang.

The 37-member team, who was on a two-week tour of Malaysia from Feb 13 to Feb 26, was fasci- nated with the place dubbed as the wondrous cave.

“The cave is extremely beautiful,” said team leader Col. Paul Crane.

“We are very interested in Asian culture and scenic spots. Though it’s very hot here, the locals have been very receptive towards us.”

During their Tour of Malaysia, the visitors lost to Malacca in their opening match, but bounced back to beat Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh for two straight wins.

“It has been great fun playing with the locals and experiencing the sights of Malaysia,” said Crane.

Defence player Jim Wilde said that Malaysia was a lovely place and that he had enjoyed the food very much.

“I’ve tried all the local dishes like nasi lemak and I love it,” he said.

The Ipswich Greyhounds rounded up their tour with a friendly match against Penang on Saturday before flying back the following day to prepare for the cricket season beginning in April.

Hope that there will able to attract more tourists... Gambateh Gua Tempurung.

http://img26.photobucket.com/albums/v77/kilazilla/kledang/ipoh_view.jpg

Ipoh City View from Kledang Hill, Menglembu, Ipoh.

Wah so beautuful from up there! Stunning, you climb that high just to take a pix for us, what a man!

Wah so beautuful from up there! Stunning, you climb that high just to take a pix for us, what a man!
I got some more, may post up next time... Kledang Hill is very beautiful. :)

i would like to see more (bigger) pics from you, jeeshyan;)

i would like to see more (bigger) pics from you, jeeshyan;)
Thank you, I will upload it and post it here very soon... Sorry for let you all waiting...

Ipoh Toll Plazas To Be Demolished Next Year

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- From next year, motorists using the North-South Expressway (NSE) need not stop at the south and north Ipoh toll plazas following the implementation of a closed-toll concept.

The two toll plazas would be demolished, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu told reporters after opening the OTO-PLUS Rejuvenation Point at the Sungai Buloh Overhead Restaurant, Monday.

He also said that the NSE concessionaire, Plus Expressways Bhd, would widen the Rawang-Tanjung Malim-Slim River and Seremban-Senawang-Ayer Keroh sections of the expressway to reduce traffic congestion especially during festive seasons.

"Plus Expressways is carrying out the work to build a third lane between Rawang and Slim River spanning 73 km of the expressway," he said.

The work in the southern zone involved a 67 km stretch between Seremban and Ayer Keroh, he said.

The three projects were scheduled to be completed between August and October next year, he said.

The toll would not be increased because of the widening work, Samy Vellu said.

He also denied a claim that his ministry had redirected funds meant for the construction of bridges to pay for the repair of the defective section of the Middle Ring Road II (MRR2) in Kepong.

"If one were to make accusations, even if one is dead there'll be no end," he said.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia flights to more destinations

Perak can look forward to direct flights from Ipoh to east Malaysia and other Asian destinations soon.

AirAsia has been receptive to requests by the state government to increase the number of destinations it flew to from Ipoh, said Perak MCA chairman Datuk Ong Ka Chuan.

“The low budget carrier has responded positively to re-quests for flights to Sabah and Sarawak, as well as Jakarta, Medan, Bangkok and various destinations in India and Southern China,” he said on Friday.

The latest development, Ong said, came after the launch of the Ipoh-Johor Baru (Senai) route,

“The Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh is not being fully utilised and we hope AirAsia can turn it into an international low-cost air-hub for the northern region,” he said.

Ong was speaking to reporters after opening the prize-giving day of SMK Pusing in Batu Gajah near Ipoh.

Earlier in his speech, Ong said there was a need to expand the airport to accommodate bigger aircraft.

No deadline for AirAsia to make Ipoh its hub

April 24 2006

No deadline is set for AirAsia Berhad (AirAsia) to turn the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh into a low-cost carrier (LCC) hub for the northern region or for Asia.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said though the LCC lacks the suitable aircraft and other facilities to operate from there, it is still highly enthusiastic to operate at the Ipoh airport.

“Currently AirAsia is in the process of increasing the number of its aircraft with at least one new one a month...,” he told reporters after meeting MCA’s Larut, Taiping and Bukit Gantang division leaders in Taiping yesterday.

The ministry is ready to consider the state government’s proposal that the runaway at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport be extended to 1,981 metres to enable bigger planes like Boeing 737 and A320s to operate with maximum capacity.

Medan, Aceh, Phuket, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Selatan China and Brunei are among the destinations that can be covered using bigger planes.

AirAsia service in the Ipoh-Senai sector that began on March is well received, he said.

AirAsia also has plans to start flights in the Ipoh-Kota Kinabalu sector, Ipoh-Kuching and Ipoh-Indonesia and Ipoh-China soon. - Bernama

Hope that got more flights from other places will bring more development and tourists to Ipoh.

Perak State Assembly: Airport upgrading to cost RM28m
18 Apr 2006


THE expansion of the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport into a hub for regional flights will cost RM28 million, the House was told yesterday.


Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the State Government had applied for federal funds for the purpose.

He said the plans involved extending the runway and upgrading facilities to cater for bigger aircraft.

He was replying to questions from Nga Kor Ming (DAP-Pantai Remis) and Datuk Chew Wai Khoon (BN-Tebing Tinggi) who wanted to know the State Government’s plans to turn the airport into a regional hub.

Tajol Rosli said the airport could become a hub for flights to and from Medan, Aceh, southern China, south India, Phuket, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Brunei.

"That is why the State Government is serious about the expansion plans," he said.

Tajol Rosli said if the request for federal aid was unsuccessful, the State Government would use its own money to finance the expansion.

He said the State Government had also asked for input from various agencies on how best to maximise the use of the airport.

Discussions with land owners bordering the airport had also been conducted on the possibility of promoting aviation-related activities to supplement the role of the airport.

Tajol Rosli said the State Government had received proposals to build a flight training centre, an aircraft maintenance centre and warehouses on land near the airport.

^This is a very good move...for a BANDARAYA...Ipoh has a airport that is in very bad shape.

^This is a very good move...for a BANDARAYA...Ipoh has a airport that is in very bad shape.
May be like Malacca and also Negri Sembilan, Ipoh is too close to Kuala Lumpur... An airport is just an advantage.

Hope international flight in future will bring Ipoh a greater future.

I'd say Ipoh is in better shape than Kota Bharu..but they have a really cool airport compared to Ipoh's...

Maybe if PAS/DAP takes Perak....BN will build a special airport( by Barisan Nasional) for Ipoh... :)

I'd say Ipoh is in better shape than Kota Bharu..but they have a really cool airport compared to Ipoh's...

Maybe if PAS/DAP takes Perak....BN will build a special airport( by Barisan Nasional) for Ipoh... :)
Haha... May be.

For your information, DAP is playing an important role in Perak especially Ipoh now... :)

It is time to upgrade Ipoh airport...

Haha... May be.

For your information, DAP is playing an important role in Perak especially Ipoh now... :)

It is time to upgrade Ipoh airport...
Sitiawan (Lumut constituency) is also under DAP

MSC status for four varsities

IPOH: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) in Kampar will be accorded Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status.

The other institutions in Perak given the same status are Universiti Petronas and Universiti Teknologi Mara in Bandar Seri Iskandar and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Tanjung Malim.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the four institutions would receive incentives under the MSC development programmes carried out by the Federal Government.

“The four were selected because they have provided the infrastructure needed for the MSC status,” he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting here yesterday.

Tajol Rosli said the MSC status would also be accorded to factories in the state.

“Our aim is to create as many cyber centres with MSC status to realise the vision of turning Perak into a knowledge-state by 2015,” he said.

Visit by Japan's Royal Couple Brings Nostalgia To Ipoh


NOSTALGIA… Ipoh still exhibits the marks left by Japanese immigrants who journeyed to the Malay States during the Meiji era (1868-1912) like the old Jalan Sultan Yusoff (formerly Jalan Belfield). Pix: Dusa Abas

By Zuhafizah Ahmad Zaki dan Roshidi Abu Samah

IPOH, June 6 (Bernama) -- Japan's Emperor and Empress will be fulfilling a promise made 15 years ago when they visit Perak on June 10.

Back in 1991, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko who were visiting Malaysia, had to cancel their trip to Ipoh as the city was enveloped in thick haze that had drifted from hot spots across the Melaka Straits.

This would be the royal couple's third visit to the country and is regarded as very significant because apart from Malaysia, only Germany, the United States and Belgium were the countries that they had visited more than twice.

In a news report, Southeast Asia Region director at the Japan Foreign Ministry, Shigeo Yamada, said the visit was expected to enhance the already excellent bilateral ties between Malaysia and Japan.

Despite the "hardship and torture" during the Japanese Occupation of over 60 years ago still fresh in the minds of many Malaysians, the fact is that the locals and immigrants from the Land of the Rising Sun had lived peacefully together, long before the start of the Asia-Pacific war.

JAPANESE COMMUNITY

Ipoh still exhibits the marks left by Japanese immigrants who journeyed to the Malay States during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Their presence had contributed immensely to the nation's economic growth like their investments in rubber estates (Johor) and iron ore-mining in Kelantan and Terengganu.

In the Federated Malay States of Selangor, Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Perak, the Japanese opened up grocery, laundry, watch and clock-repair shops as well as hair-dressing outlets.

For example, in Ipoh in 1908, the old building at No 95, Jalan Sultan Yusoff (formerly Jalan Belfield) was a Japanese-owned photography shop "Hinode Photographer Enlarger, Bromide & Platinic Type", while No 93 next door used to house Messrs. Hoot and Co, importer of motorcycles and three-wheeler vehicles.

Both premises, located in Ipoh old town, were taken over in 1911 by Mikasa Photo Shop, also Japanese-owned.

Now both premises are vacant. Taylor U.S Peter was the last tenant at No 95 while Taik Ho & Co was the last occupant of No 93.

MOMURA'S MEMOIRS

Some insight into the life of the Japanese community in Ipoh during pre-World War Two can be obtained from Momura's Memoirs published by the Singapore Japanese Association in 1936.

The book tells the experience of Momura, a Japanese who travelled from Singapore to the Malay States in 1920. Included in his writings were the Japanese people he met in Kuala Kangsar, Gopeng, Batu Gajah and Ipoh.

Momura also wrote about the 132-member Perak Japan Association, most of them traders with the oldest member being Narumi-San, then aged 73 and had left Japan in 1889.

The journalist also wrote about the then Japanese community in Ipoh and their shrine, Nichiren Shu.

Among the major Japanese business operations in the old Ipoh was Nishiki Hotel but the building was destroyed, ironically in an attack by the Japanese Imperial troops as they pushed down towards Singapore at the end of 1941.

STATE CAPITAL

Named as the twin city for Fukuoka, Kyushu Island in 1989, Ipoh had a close and intertwining relationship with the Japanese occupying forces.

Ipoh was made the state capital weeks after Japan completed its conquest of the Malay States and Singapore.

Ironically, the British administration had wanted to shift the Perak state administration from Taiping to Ipoh but it was postponed a number of times due to the falling tin prices then.

A street in Ipoh was even named after Admiral Togo Heihachiro who, in the Russia-Japan war, defeated the Russian fleet at Port Arthur in 1904 and annihilated the country's Baltic fleet at Tsushima a year later.

Jalan Togo was renamed Jalan Cockman after the war and it is now known as Jalan Datuk Onn Jaafar.

REPATRIATION

After the Second World War, the Japanese civilians were not spared the "punishment" on brutalities committed by Japanese soldiers during the Occupation.

With the return of the British after the Japanese surrender, almost all of the Japanese civilians were deported to Japan and their assets seized.

Those who were married to the locals were spared, but the immense hatred that came from atrocities committed during the Japanese Occupation had forced these civilians to return to their homeland.

Among the relics left by the Japanese community here is the graveyard at 18, Jalan Sungai Pari. The exact date of this cemetery is unknown but the earliest grave there is dated 1872,and the year 1972 etched on the tomb of the last burial made at this cemetery.

In October 1967, the remains of some 100 Japanese buried at a cemetery in Taiping, which came into existence in 1910, were moved to Ipoh for reburial. Fifty-one of the names were members of the dreaded Japanese secret police, who died during the Second World War.

-- BERNAMA

Hehe ..I am sure Ipoh City Council will haste to spruce up that small Japanese Garden in Ipoh prior to their visit.

Interesting history, imagine there were so many japanese here even in the 19th century, sad that they had to leave after WW11

Interesting history, imagine there were so many japanese here even in the 19th century, sad that they had to leave after WW11
Is World War 2 right? Thinking of where is the WW11, hahah! Today they will come to Ipoh and then go Kuala Kangsar to visit Perak's Sultan.

Welcome to IPOH!

Road closures for visit by Emperor of Japan

SEVERAL roads in Ipoh and Kuala Kangsar will be closed today in conjunction with the visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the state.

The roads in Ipoh that will be closed in stages between 10.45am and 11.30am are Persiaran Sultan Azlan Shah, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Selatan, Jalan Raja Dr Nazrin, exit of Jalan Golf Club,Jalan Raja Musa Mahadi, exit of Jalan Kampung Simee, exit to highway at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, exit to highway at Jalan Tuanku AbdulRahman (from Kampung Tawas and Ipoh) and Jelapang toll.

Heavy vehicles using the North-South Highway will be diverted to the federal road from Jalan Kampung Tawas (North bound) starting from 10am.

Light vehicles will be stopped from 10.30am onwards at the old road from Jalan Kampung Tawas (North bound) until the royal convoy passes.

The north-bound highway stretch from Ipoh Selatan Interchange to Kuala Kangsar Intercharge will be closed to all vehicles between 10.30am to 11.30am while south-bound highway stretch from the Kuala Kangsar Interchange to the Ipoh Selatan Interchange remains open to small vehicles.

Heavy vehicles heading south will be diverted to the federal road through Taiping Utara and Changkat Jering Interchanges.

While the royal couple visits Kuala Kangsar, the following roads will be closed between 11.30am and 12.15pm.

The roads are Jalan Taiping to clock tower roundabout, Jalan Istana to Istana Iskandariah, Jalan Istana to corner of Kuala Kangsar rest house.

For the royal couple’s visit to Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK), the following roads will be closed from 2.30pm to 2.50pm.

The roads are Jalan Istana to clock tower roundabout, Jalan Taiping to Jalan Bendahara, Jalan Raja Chulan to Telekom Building and Jalan Tun Razak to Jalan Hospital.

The south-bound highway stretch from Kuala Kangsar Interchanges to Ipoh Selatan Interchange will be closed to all vehicles from 3.30pm to 4.30pm while the north-bound highway stretch from Ipoh Selatan Interchange to Kuala Kangsar Inter-change remains open to traffic.

Heavy vehicles heading north will be diverted to the federal road through Gopeng, Simpang Pulai and Ipoh Selatan Interchanges.

The following roads in Ipoh will also be closed starting from 4pm.

The roads are Jelapang toll, exit to Jalan Jelapang, exit to Jalan Tuanku Abd Rahman (from Kampung Ta-was), exit to North-South Highway (Makro), exit to Medan Ipoh 2 (Tesco).

In statements issued by police and PLUS yesterday, motorists are advised to plan their journey or utilise the federal road during the temporary closures and that they should follow all instructions given.

Celcom: Nationwide 3G service by July 15
By Azlan Abu Bakar
alan@nstp.com.my

June 16 2006

MOBILE operator Celcom (Malaysia) Bhd will expand its third-generation (3G) services coverage nationwide by July 15, chief executive officer Datuk Shazalli Ramly said.

The company recently added five new areas for its 3G coverage, namely Seremban, Ipoh, Alor Star, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Celcom 3G services are already available in the Klang Valley, Malacca, Johor Baru, Penang, Sungai Petani, Kulim Hi-Tech Park and Genting Highlands.

Celcom has slightly below 100,000 customers using 3G and is confident of exceeding the initial target of 150,000 3G customers before year-end.

"By middle of July, all towns and cities nationwide will be able to enjoy our 3G services," Shazalli told reporters after launching Celcom's new GPRS and 3G mobile contents in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Celcom has pioneered several innovative mobile contents such as the world's first SMS (short messaging system) in colour, SecretSMS, Xpax Legenda Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Mobile Greetings, Disney Mobile, Mobile Video Content and Marvel Mobile.

"When we started, we only had about 15 contents, but now we have more than 123 contents," he said.

In addition to the expansion of Celcom 3G and the new developments in 3G and GPRS contents, the company will also be introducing 3GX, a cutting edge technology based on HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access).

"The 3GX is four to five times faster than 3G and 15 times faster than GPRS.

"The advent of 3GX promises corporate users the ability to attain secure mobile access to corporate networks with fast retrieval and downloading of confidential corporate information," he added.

Interesting history, imagine there were so many japanese here even in the 19th century, sad that they had to leave after WW11
hmm.. if they stayed behind, then most would likely going to be 'pancung.' at that time, hatred twds the japs was so immense, i remember my late pakcik who used to tell us the atrocity done by the jap soldiers.. my mom n her sisters were being 'sorok' in the jungle after Kati on the way to Lenggong kat Kuala sana sebab my late grand was afraid if they were to be seen by the soldiers.. hari hari kena mkn ubi kayu and some jungle fruits.

Tajol Rosli: New dam essential
06 Jul 2006


IPOH: The Kinta Water Supply scheme is crucial in ensuring adequate supply to the city and surrounding areas until 2020.

Without the RM250 million dam and treatment plants, the existing dam in Parit can only meet demand up till the end of next year.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli said the project had been completed and water was flowing into the catchment area.

"It should be fully operational by next year," he said, dismissing claims that the project had been a mistake and the people had to shoulder the burden as water tariffs were increased from July 1.

Tajol Rosli said the environmental impact of the clearing work was minimal as it involved a land area of less than 60 hectares. "The State Government will gazette the forest surrounding the dam as a no-logging zone," he said after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting yesterday.

Tajol Rosli said the ban on logging in the zone was needed as it could damage the environment and push up the cost of treating water.

The state Forestry Department has been instructed to define the area to be gazetted.

'No logging' zone near Perak dam and treatment plant

IPOH: Parts of the Bukit Kinta Forest Reserve where the Sungai Kinta dam and treatment plant are located will be gazetted as a no logging zone.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said more than 4,000ha of the forest reserve in the vicinity of the RM234mil dam and treatment plant would be gazetted as permanent forest reserve.

“We will not allow logging around the area because we want to protect the water quality,” he said after chairing the weekly exco meeting Wednesday.

“I have asked the Forestry director (Datuk Razani Ujang) to come up with a layout plan of the whole area to protect our water quality.”

The dam, located about 17.5km from the Pos Slim road leading to Kampung Raja in the Cameron Highlands, was expected to be ready by end of next year, he said.

60 Pct Populated Areas In Perak To Go Wireless By September

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- Perak will see 60 percent of its populated areas go wireless come September, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli.

He said as Ipoh's very own Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) is put in place and businesses come in, regional hubbing of telecommunication services are to begin out of Ipoh.

"We hope when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launches the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) in Ipoh this September, he would also be launching wireless Perak," he told reporters after the signing of an agreement here Thursday between Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak and telecommunications company, The Red Snapper.

"Hopefully by then, about 60 percent of the most populated areas in Perak will be wireless," he said.

When fully deployed, a wireless Perak would allow people to sit in parks and enjoy free internet, he said.

He said about RM24 million was spent to launch and ensure the success of the wireless internet access, collected from the state's 24 constituencies.

Tajol said the state had a RM20 million budget for the information communication technology (ICT) sector for the year.

The Wireless Perak project is to be managed by Asia Gateway Communications (M) Sdn Bhd, a 40 percent-owned company by Perak's State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

Asia Gateway is the owner of The Red Snapper, which will provide the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services over WiFi-Cellular handsets, and allow the smooth handover between WiFi and cellular.

"This is Perak MSC's flagship venture," said Tajol.

"Technology enables us to export dial-tone and turn the Perak MSC into a regional telecommunications hub. Hence, the direct investment (in Asia Gateway)," he said.

Launching a regional telecoms platform that allows a user anywhere in the world to make and accept VoIP calls from his WiFi-Cellular handset, the company demonstrates that there is no digital divide between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur or any other city, Asia Gateway chief executive officer, Braham Singh said.

"Wireless Perak is required to bring subsidised internet access to students and weaker sections of Perak's social fabric and still turn a profit," he said.

Asia Gateway chief financial officer, Asad Sultan said The Red Snapper expected to see a revenue of between US$8 million and US$10 million initially and US$100 million in five to 10 years' time.

-- BERNAMA

New Ipoh Mayor Aims To Create Resident Friendly City

IPOH, July 25 (Bernama) -- The new Mayor of Ipoh, Datuk Mohamad Rafiai Moktar, 55,has set his targets on creating a resident-friendly city soon after he was made the mayor Monday.

He held the post of Perak Tengah District Officer since November 2004 and had acquired considerable administrative experience in his job and is certain he can fulfill this dream.

However, as is the same for any visionary project, he said there must be co-operation from all sectors -- his officers, the residents and others --to realise it.

"We will definitely resolve problems connected with garbage, drains, old buildings, and vice activities and also focus on developing the city of Ipoh," he said to reporters here, Tuesday.

He had earlier clocked in at his office to mark his first day of service as the mayor, replacing Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abd Rahman.

Mohamad Rafiai who had held the post of MBI secretary said one of his aims was to increase the facilities in the city.

He had also held several other administrative posts including Director of Social Division (2001), Special Action Division Director (2002), at the Prime Minister's Department and as Assistant District Officer (Land) at Kuala Kangsar in 1974.

"To develop public transport, we will hold discussions with bus and taxi companies, so that the current situation will improve further," he said.

On ways to give Ipoh a much needed facelift, he said building owners would be encouraged to repaint their old houses and other buildings.

He reminded residents of Ipoh with localised problems to visit the Clients Day every Tuesday in the MBI compounds.

MBI would also launch a special service to settle the problems of residents through the SMS soon.

-- BERNAMA

Ipoh to adopt ring road system
21 Aug 2006


IPOH: Ipoh will be adopting the ring road system to beat the growing traffic woes.

The State Government has identified several routes in and around Ipoh city which it plans to categorise as inner, middle and outer ring roads.

Perak Urbanisation and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Chang Ko Youn said the ring roads would allow motorists, who had no business in the city, to avoid entering it.

A large number of vehicles entering the inner city daily were going to destinations in the outskirts.

Chang was speaking to reporters after launching a Jalur Gemilang flying campaign organised by the Kinta District and Ipoh City Taxi Operators Association here yesterday.

About two thousand mini flags were given to 12 town and chartered taxi associations to mark the 49th Independence Day celebration.

While the number of motorists had increased significantly within the city, Chang admitted that the present road system had also contributed to the traffic congestion.

"In recent years, the situation has worsened. One solution is to introduce the ring road system," he said.

He said to ensure that the new system worked, the existing roads categorised as middle and outer ring roads would be linked to new roads and bridges.

The State Government would hold talks with public transportation companies on improving their services.

hmm.. if they stayed behind, then most would likely going to be 'pancung.' at that time, hatred twds the japs was so immense, i remember my late pakcik who used to tell us the atrocity done by the jap soldiers.. my mom n her sisters were being 'sorok' in the jungle after Kati on the way to Lenggong kat Kuala sana sebab my late grand was afraid if they were to be seen by the soldiers.. hari hari kena mkn ubi kayu and some jungle fruits.

The Japanese were really bad at that time. Their soldiers did every single crime.. just name it! And to make it worse 99% of the Japanese who were in Malaya at that time were all men..takde girls :D

Plan to set up ring roads

By CHRISTINA KOH

TRAFFIC within the city area in Ipoh will be smoother after the Perak Government completes ongoing projects to establish and link inner, middle and outer ring roads.

State Urban and Local Go-vernment Committee chairman Datuk Chang Ko Youn said the state has already identified the roads that would allow motorists to avoid the city centre, hence reducing congestion.

He cited roads like Jalan Bendahara and Jalan Leong Boon Swee as inner ring roads, while outer ring roads included the Ipoh-Lumut highway and Jalan Tasek.

However, he said, the state was working to connect certain areas such as Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Selatan to Jalan Lahat.

“For instance, a motorist from Jalan Pasir Puteh who wants to travel to Falim or Menglembu could instead use the Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Selatan way.

“At the moment, we are looking for the funds to link Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Selatan up to Jalan Lahat.

“The cost is quite high because of the bridge there,” he said after giving away 2,000 flags to taxi drivers at the Medan Gopeng terminal in Ipoh recently.

Chang said the setting up of the ring roads was part of Perak’s efforts to improve the traffic system.

It was one way to solve the massive congestion caused by rush hour traffic at certain roads in the city where premier schools were located.

According to the Ipoh Structural Plan, such schools should be relocated outside the city to ease the congestion.

“But the state government received many protests from parents and school authorities, so we have decided not to move them unless the school authorities plan to relocate.

“Then we will help them relocate,” he said, adding that the state would establish the ring roads in stages.

Among the schools in the city centre that saw major congestion were SM Sam Tet, SM Ave Maria Convent, St Michael’s Institution, SM Convent and SM Perempuan Methodist (MGS).

Cotac secures buyers for TFT-LCD modules
By Hamisah Hamid
hamid@btimes.com.my

August 28 2006

COTAC Optronics Sdn Bhd expects its transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) plant in Perak Hi-Tech Park to generate sales of more than RM4 billion in the first year of operations.

Executive director Chin Fah Chye said the company has already secured buyers for its TFT-LCD modules for flat display devices.

About 70 per cent are buyers from Japan and the remaning 30 per cent are local buyers.

Commercial production at the company's RM4 billion plant is expected to start by the end of 2008.

"Construction of the plant, located on 120ha of land, is expected to start in November this year.

"We will start trial production by third quarter of 2008 and mass production will start before end of 2008," Chin told Business Times after the signing of a technical agreement with Japan's Nakan Corp in Subang Jaya on Saturday.

In the signing of transfer of technology on TFT-LCD module production, Cotac Optronics was represented by Chin and Nakan Corp by president Takashi Odajima.

The equity participation in Cotac Optronics is a mixture of Japanese and local, at a ratio of 40:60 respectively.

Local investors include government-linked companies (GLCs).

Chin was unable to disclose the identity of GLCs that have stakes in Cotac Optronics but said it will be announced at the signing of equity to be held later.

In the 480ha Perak Hi-Tech Park near Ipoh, Cotac Optronics will be the anchor plant, surrounded by a chain of suppliers producing glass formation up to the assembly of the flat display devices such as television and personal computer monitors.

When completed, it is expected to be the world's only fully integrated TFT-LCD modules supply chain concentrated within a technology park.

In addition to the RM4 billion initial investment in the Cotac Optronics plant, the investment by foreign supply chain suppliers in the high-tech park is estimated at RM4 billion.

"A lot of big names in Japan are coming in," said Chin, adding that these reputable suppliers are experts in their respective fields such as colour filters, lithography mask, polariser optical film, backlight units, driver integrated circuits and others.

The integrated supply chain is expected to create 30,000 job opportunities, of which about 4,000 jobs are available at Cotac Optronics.

Nakan Corp specialises in the manufacture and fabrication of LCD manufacturing equipment and related devices. With over 60 years experience, the company has supplied related equipment to major TFT-LCD module manufacturers such as Samsung, LG Philips and Hyundai.

The Perak State Government has also promised fast-track approval for the hi-tech park, which is one of the projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Ipoh’s movie makeover
Tuesday September 5, 2006
By CHAN LI LEEN
TheStar (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/9/5/nation/15334757&sec=nation)


IPOH: The transformation of a row of dilapidated pre-war buildings along Jalan Chung On Siew here into a World War II street scene of Shanghai is drawing crowds of film fans and curious onlookers.

For the past few days, motorists would slow down to watch workers labouring on the set of the latest movie by Oscar-winning Taiwanese director Ang Lee, Lust, Caution.

The workers have put up prop signboards, installed street lamps of bygone days and have even constructed a replica of a double-decker tram for use during the filming.

The Taiwanese-born director, who won a Best Director Oscar earlier this year for Brokeback Mountain, was expected to shoot his spy thriller in parts of the city from tomorrow.





http://thestar.com.my/archives/2006/9/5/nation/n_29tram.jpg

SHANGHAI SETTING: A replica of a double-decker tram rests in front of a row
of shophouses in Jalan Chung On Siew as workers put up street lamps to depict a scene of war-time Shanghai.





Filming is also set to take place at Jalan Bandar Timah, Jalan Panglima, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Chua Cheng Bok, Jalan Che Wan, Jalan Sultan Yusuf, Jalan Dato’ Maharajalela and Jalan Pasar here.

Based on a 26-page short story by famed Chinese writer Eileen Chang, Lust, Caution will star Cannes best actor winner Tony Leung, Chinese-American pop star Wang Lee-Hom and mainland newcomer Tang Wei.

The story revolves around a group of patriotic students who plot to assassinate an intelligence chief in the Japan-backed Chinese government during World War II.

Leung plays the intelligence officer while Wang and Tang portray the students.

Thanks for the photo... I just went there last night. Also saw the Oscar-winning Taiwanese director Ang Lee.

Ang Lee gives Ipoh a feel of Hollywood
Thursday September 7, 2006
TheStar


http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2006/9/7/nation/n_04anglee.jpg

EYE FOR DETAIL: Lee (in baseball cap) inspecting the film
set before shooting begins in Jalan Bandar Timah, Ipoh, yesterday.


IPOH: Shooting for award-winning Taiwanese director Ang Lee’s latest film Lust, Caution here started off without much fuss.

Lee, who recently won an Oscar for best director for Brokeback Mountain, arrived at Jalan Bandar Timah for a last-minute inspection at 11.45am yesterday.

He later joined the cast and crew in a customary prayer ceremony, where they sought blessings for smooth filming, before the cameras started rolling at around 1pm.

Locals who showed up hoping to catch a glimpse of the celebrities involved in the film were disappointed.

To avoid prying eyes, the crew had put up curtains around the set and had also parked lorries, vans and a tour bus at strategic spots.

Among those there was photography student Su Zhong Yuan, 22, who is a serious Ang Lee fan.

The student from Kuantan, Pahang, had thought nothing of travelling eight hours on a bus to get to the film set.

“I reached Ipoh on Tuesday evening and have been waiting since 7am to get the director to sign an autograph. I’ve admired Ang Lee since he directed Eat Drink Man Woman,” he said.

Although security at the film set was very tight, Su said he planned to hang around.

“I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to meet the director,” he added.

Lee is expected to shoot his spy thriller in parts of the city until Saturday before filming continues in Penang on Sunday.

Besides Jalan Bandar Timah, filming will also be done at Jalan Panglima, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Chua Cheng Bok, Jalan Che Wan, Jalan Sultan Yusuf, Jalan Dato’ Maharajalela and Jalan Pasar here.

Based on a short story by Chinese writer Zhang Ailing, or Eileen Chang, Lust, Caution stars Cannes best actor winner Tony Leung, Chinese-American pop star Wang Lee-Hom and mainland newcomer Tang Wei.

It is set in Shanghai during the World War II era, with Leung playing an intelligence officer while Wang and Tang play students plotting to assassinate him.

On Tuesday, Lee, Wang, Tang and the production team were also spotted having dinner at Assam House in Greentown.

Restaurant owner Kenzon Loh said he had received a call from the director’s assistant who made reservations forthree tables.

“Among the dishes they ordered were taufu, vegetables, curry fish head, pandan chicken and mango kerabu,” he added.

Ang Lee left Ipoh and Kampar already... And the shoplots is back its original look.

Ipoh to extend runway
22-09-2006
The Star


IPOH: Perak is prepared to relocate residents to extend the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport runway here, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali .

กงWe will build new houses for them (the residents) if we have to acquire their property,กจ he said.

กงWe have land in the vicinity. That is why we have not given out land in the area,กจ he said yesterday, adding that the state would not consider building a new airport to replace the present one.

Speaking at a news conference after handing over keys to house-owners of Permai Lake View in Tambun here yesterday, Tajol Rosli said AirAsia and other airlines must demonstrate their commitment that they planned to operate from the airport.

กงOtherwise, the investment (of extending the runway and building the houses) would not be justified,กจ he said.

Tajol Rosli said the state needed to upgrade the runway so that if any airline wanted to fly from Ipoh to places further away like Madras and Guangzhou, they could do so.

กงWe need a full load of fuel to fly to these places,กจ he said, adding that an airline has expressed interest in providing Umrah flights from Ipoh to Saudi Arabia.

AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes recently announced that the airline was suspending its four-times-a-week Ipoh-Senai flights starting Tuesday.

One of the reasons given for this was that the runway was not long enough.

Tajol Rosli said he would meet Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy to discuss the matter.

Airlines Keen To Operate Out Of Ipoh, Says Perak MB

IPOH, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Several airlines have shown interest in conducting domestic operations from the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (LTSAS) here, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said Tuesday.

He declined to name the airlines but said the state government was ready to speed up work to extend the airport's runway to accommodate AirAsia A320 aircraft.

He said however that the air services for the benefit of the people of Perak could only happen with approval from the federal government.

"If the federal government agrees, then the people of Perak will have domestic services operating out of Ipoh," he told reporters at a luncheon hosted by the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, here.

"I will be leading a delegation to meet Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy to speed up efforts to make air services for Perakians a reality as it will also spur the tourism sector," he said.

The decision by AirAsia to suspend its Ipoh-Senai service Monday could affect the Transport Ministry's plan to make LTSAS a hub for low-cost carriers (LCC) for the northern region and Asia.

AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Datuk Tony Fernandez said the Ipoh-Senai service was suspended because the short runway at LTSAS could not accommodate the airline's new Airbus A320 aircraft.

-- BERNAMA

Suria FM in Ipoh

Suria FM has finally made Ipoh, Perak even more happening with its new frequency 96.0fm.

Suria FM can be heard in Klang Valley on 105.3fm, Kuantan on 96.1fm, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on 105.9fm and Ipoh on 96.0fm.

Listeners in Ipoh now can participate in Suria’s on-air contests, activities together with Suria FM announcers and also be informed by Suria’s latest information and events. According to its chief operating officer Engku Emran, the station is expected to launch more frequencies in different areas by year-end.

'Get other airlines to serve Ipoh'
07 Oct 2006
Jaspal Singh

IPOH: Save the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. With Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia having stopped flying here and other major airlines giving it a miss, businessmen and others fear that Perak would be marginalised as an investment and tourism destination.

Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Lim Kok Cheong hoped that the government would come up with a permanent solution to the problem.

He said in order to sustain the tourism and investment environment, the business community and tour operators were looking forward to having normal flights at the airport.

"If MAS or AirAsia cannot fly into Ipoh, the Transport Ministry must help Perak by finding airlines which are willing to take over the job," he said at the 99th anniversary dinner of the chamber on Thursday night.

Lim said the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport could be used as a hub to fly to Jakarta, Bangkok and Ghuangzou, adding that the Transport Ministry should look for other airlines willing to operate here.

In August, MAS stopped its Ipoh-Kuala Lumpur flights after the national airline implemented its route rationalisation plan.

Last month, AirAsia, the no-frills service provider, suspended flights on the Ipoh-Senai route. The low-cost carrier cited the problem of the short runway at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.

The company was reported as saying that it would resume flights once the runway was made longer to facilitate its newer and bigger fleet of Airbus A320 planes.

The state government has requested for federal funding of RM28 million to upgrade the airport and is awaiting approval.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, who was present at the dinner, gave an assurance that he would meet Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali to find a solution to the problem.

Kartika makes maiden stop
06 Oct 2006


IPOH: State executive council members greeted the maiden scheduled flight of Kartika Airlines from Medan at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here yesterday.

Among the 100 passengers were Indonesian journalists and Kartika management officials.

The airline flies between Medan and Ipoh on Thursdays and Sundays for bargain fares ranging between RM200 and RM300.

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Friday/National/kartika.JPG

Kartika Airlines regional manager Jerry Iyo said: "There are plans to increase flights to three times a week if there is a demand.

"From Oct 9, we will also offer one flight a day to Penang and another to Kuala Lumpur from Nov 6."

Perak Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan said Ipoh was chosen as Kartika’s first stop because of its strategic location between Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

"Kartika Airline flights are timely as they will help the state government to attract more tourists from Indonesia during Visit Malaysia Year next year," he added.

Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Energy and Water Committee chairman Datuk Ho Cheng Wang and Tourism Promotion Board director Noor Azman Samsudin were also part of the welcoming committee.

Ipoh Council to launch SMS complaints service
26 Oct 2006


IPOH, PERAK, THURS:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE Ipoh City Council will be launching its short messaging system or SMS complaints service forn the public before the end of the year.

The public can forward just any complaint regarding poor municipal services in their residential areas. The complaints will then be forwarded to the council’s flying squads to respond.

Speaking to the New Straits Times today, Ipoh council public relations head Normala Latiff said the service was in the final stages of testing.

Perak Willing To Spend RM40 Million On Ipoh Airport Runway Extension


IPOH, Nov 22 (Bernama) --The Perak government is prepared to spend RM40 million to extend the runway at the Sultan Azlan Shah airport (LTSAS) here if more airlines are allowed to operate from it.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said that it was now up to the Transport Ministry to decide on the matter as several airlines had asked to operate their services from Ipoh.

"Several airlines representatives have told me of their interest in operating from Ipoh," he told reporters here Wednesday.

The RM40 million cost to upgrade the Ipoh airport would also include upgrading facilities for the customs, immigration and baggage services he said.

He said the state government wanted to extend the airport runway to 1,981 metres to accommodate larger aircraft provided more airlines were allowed to operate from Ipoh.

This would enable the airport to serve longer sectors like to Medan, Aceh, Phuket, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Southern China, Southern India and Brunei, he said.

Earlier, when replying to questions from Datuk Khusairi Abdul Talib (BN-Slim) and Datuk Chew Wai Khoon (BN-Tebing Tinggi) in the State Assembly, Tajol said the state government had no intention of postponing the extension of the runway.

Meetings with the Transport Ministry were still ongoing to resolve technical issues over the RM40 million cost of the upgrading work.

Tajol added that Ipoh had also been included as a destination in the cooperation agenda of the Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT).

He also said the state government would be asking the Transport Ministry to extend the Rawang-Ipoh double-tracking railway line to include Chemor or Sungai Siput, using the RM434 million budget allocated to the Ministry.

-- BERNAMA

13-12-2006: UEM World to complete Rawang-Ipoh project for RM766.97m
By Gan Yen Kuan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


The Rawang-Ipoh electrified double track rail project is back on track after UEM World Bhd received government approval to undertake the project for a contract sum of RM766.97 million.

UEM World said on Dec 13 the government had accepted its offer to complete the project and a formal contract would be executed soon.

The contract would involve the construction, completion, testing, commissioning and maintenance of the railway track.

“The period of the contract is for 22 months, commencing from June 1, 2005 to March 31, 2007,” it said, adding more details of the contract would be made available upon announcement of the execution of the contract.

UEM World added it intended to novate the contract to its 57.1% subsidiary UEM Builders Bhd upon the execution of the contract.

UEM Builders’ unit, UEM Construction Sdn Bhd, had been undertaking the works for the double track rail project on an interim basis since its appointment by the government on June 1, 2005.

UEM Construction took over the multi-billion ringgit project, which was 88% completed by former main contractor DRB-Hicom Bhd.

DRB-Hicom had pulled out of the contract after being owed by the government for dues on work already done as well as RM700 million in variation orders.

UEM World and UEM Builders share prices closed two sen higher to RM1.71 and RM1.39, respectively. DRB-Hicom was unchanged at RM1.58.

UEM World awarded RM767m rail project


December 14 2006


UEM World Bhd has received a RM767 million contract from the Government for the construction, completion, testing, commissioning and maintenance of the electrified double-track project between Rawang and Ipoh.


The contract is for 22 months, starting from June 1 2005 to March 1 2007.


"Upon the execution of the contract, UEM World intends to novate the contract to its 51.7 per cent subsidiary, UEM Builders Bhd," the company told Bursa Malaysia yesterday.


According to UEM World, UEM Construction Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UEM Builders, has been undertaking the works for the electrified double- track project on an interim basis since its appointment by the Government.


The company said further details on the contract will be announced later.


The 179km Rawang-Ipoh track forms part of the national railway firm Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB)'s project to lay parallel lines from Padang Besar to Johor Baru.


Upon completion of the Rawang-Ipoh track, which was designed for high-speed train, KTMB plans to extend the KTM Komuter service to Tanjung Malim and introduce the rapid inter-city train service from KL Sentral to Ipoh.

Rapid inter-city train service from KL Sentral to Ipoh? Cool!!!

Sunway City Ipoh Project Reaches RM400 Mln Asset Value


By Zuhafizah Ahmad Zaki

IPOH, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- The RM1 billion Sunway City Ipoh project on a 520-hectare site in Tambun here has now reached a development asset value of RM400 million, Sunway City Bhd's senior general manager Ong Pang Yen said Thursday.

He said about RM300 million had been invested so far in the development of housing and commercial properties.

Sunway City Ipoh is targeted to be the housing, recreation and tourism hub of the East Ipoh Corridor in particular and West Malaysia in general, he added.

To realise this, the company was working with the state government and Public Works Department for a slip road to connect the area with the East-West Highway, Ong said.

"This is still in the discussions stage," he told Bernama here Thursday.

Ong said Sunway City planned to construct an "Extreme Park" in the area with joint investment from a Kuala Lumpur-based company.

The centre estimated at RM6 million is expected to completed in the first quarter of next year and will be equipped with a futsal arena, badminton courts, go-kart racing course, paintball area and other facilities for extreme sports.

The project is a joint venture between Sunway City and the Perak state government with Sunway City holding 65 percent equity.

When completed in 2010, Sunway City Ipoh is expected to have, among others, a water theme-based park, a hotel, a commercial centre and a private college.

-- BERNAMA

Greentown Is Perak's Second MSC


IPOH, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- The Greentown commercial district here will be developed into the second Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) for Perak, after Meru Raya, in efforts to make it a developed state by 2015.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali said Wednesday the area was chosen based on requests from information technology (IT) companies that felt that Greentown has the environment conducive for expansion into the MSC.

He said the state government wanted to develop the area based on the MSC development in the Klang Valley and Cyberjaya.

"In Ipoh, focus will not only be on Meru Raya but also the whole Ipoh city area to provide IT facilities to the corporate and education sectors and the public," he told reporters after the state executive council meeting here.

He added that the state government was discussing with the developer to build more shops and buildings equipped with fibre optic cables and broadband Internet facilities besides providing shopping centres, entertainment outlets and infrastructure.

The state government had also agreed to set up a Perak Creative Resource Centre (PCRC) under the State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to expand the MSC.

Tajol Rosli said the PCRC would cooperate with the Bumiputera Innovative and Creative Association to create more entrepreneurs in information communication technology (ICT).

The RM6 million project in Meru Raya would be developed under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

"The state government will also set aside RM2 million to assist qualified companies to conduct research and development (R&D). Two MSC-status companies have been appointed to assist Perak in training entrepreneurs in ICT due to increasing market demand for skilled personnel," he said.

The PCRC would also provide facilities and broadband Internet needed by the ICT industry so that entrepreneurs could market their products.

He also announced that Perak Town and Country Planning Director Datuk Yaacob Nordin had been appointed chief executive officer of K-Perak Perak Inc to spearhead the development of ICT and the MSC in the state.

-- BERNAMA

Kompleks Islam RM100 juta dibina
Oleh:Shamsul Kamal Amarudin


IPOH: Persekutuan Seruan Islam Perak, antara pertubuhan Islam tertua di negara ini, akan membangunkan sebuah Kompleks Islam serba moden yang turut membabitkan pembinaan pusat ilmu dengan kos kira-kira RM100 juta, tahun depan.

Kompleks itu yang akan dibangunkan di kawasan seluas 3.6 hektar di Jalan Seruan di sini, dijangka bakal menjadi satu daripada mercu tanda pembangunan syiar Islam di negeri ini selaras kewujudan pertubuhan itu sejak 57 tahun lalu.

Setiausaha Agung Kehormatnya, Abdul Rashid Yang, berkata pelan pembangunan kompleks itu sudah diluluskan Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (MBI) dan pihaknya kini sedang berbincang dengan beberapa badan korporat untuk melaksanakan projek itu menerusi konsep usaha sama.

Menerusi pelan pembangunan itu, kompleks berkenaan akan memuatkan sebuah blok bangunan pentadbiran setinggi 12 tingkat, dua blok bangunan asrama dan komersial setinggi 20 tingkat serta sebuah masjid tiga tingkat.

Katanya, blok pentadbiran akan turut memuatkan pejabat persatuan, dua dewan sukan, dua dewan serba guna yang memuatkan 300 orang, dua dewan serba guna boleh memuatkan 200 orang, 40 dewan kuliah, 53 makmal, ruang pameran dan restoran.

Blok bangunan asrama pula menyediakan 640 bilik untuk dua katil, sebuah dewan serba guna memuatkan 300 orang serta 16 kedai, manakala bangunan masjid turut menempatkan sekolah pengajian al-Quran dan tahfiz.

"Kami berharap kompleks ini akan siap sepenuhnya dalam tempoh dua hingga lima tahun dari tarikh pembinaan," katanya kepada Berita Harian.

Abdul Rashid berkata, apabila kompleks itu siap nanti, Sekolah Latihan Wanita (Selawa) yang menawarkan pelbagai kemahiran hidup untuk golongan wanita Islam berusia 17 hingga 25 tahun dan diwujudkan sejak 1961, akan dinaik taraf selaras keperluan semasa.

Dalam perkembangan lain, pertubuhan itu sedang mencari pendakwah yang akan diberikan jawatan bergaji tetap di kalangan mereka berketurunan Cina dan India.

"Tujuannya adalah memperjelas kepada masyarakat Cina dan India mengenai ajaran sebenar Islam berikutan banyak salah faham mengenai agama itu sejak akhir-akhir ini.

"Selain itu, ia juga untuk mengenal pasti golongan saudara baru yang terbiar dan tidak mendapat bimbingan secukupnya dalam akidah dan ibadah," katanya.

Abandoned project to be turned into city’s signature building

ONCE an eyesore, the 19-storey commercial building project in Jalan Dato Ahmad Said, Ipoh, which was abandoned for the past 10 years, has been revived.

The building, which was initially planned for a hotel, will be converted into an integrated commercial centre by Ipoh Tower Sdn Bhd.

Its director Jeffrey Liew said the project would comprise business suite, corporate offices, office units, service apartments, hotel apartments, penthouses, a club house, a cafe and a swimming pool.

He said that with different types of property built under one roof, the company was confident that it would be a signature building for the city when it was completed in May next year.

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Integrated commercial centre:Liew(centre)showing a model of the 19-storey project to two potential buyers.

“It will be the first integrated building in Ipoh,” he told reporters at the launching of its business suite, service apartments, and office units recently.

Liew said the company had targeted RM70mil from the sale of the project.

He said the company was offering the first batch of its office units for as low as RM165 per sq ft, adding that the cheapest unit was priced at RM265 per sq ft then when the project started in 1997.

“We bought the half-completed building for RM10mil from Dana-harta two years ago, which is a huge discount compared to its present market value.

“We are now passing down this saving to our buyers,” added Liew.

Views of Ipoh..

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http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f173/adiyon84/Greentown.jpg

Views of Ipoh..

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f173/adiyon84/IpohCity3.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f173/adiyon84/IpohCity2.jpg


Nice photo... thanks...

Culinary delight takes flight

WOULD you pay RM5,888 for a plate of chicken rice?

The Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur is offering “The Most Expensive Chicken Rice in the World,” featuring a private plane trip to Ipoh, the birthplace of chicken rice and the adventure of a lifetime.

The luxurious package for two also includes a two-night stay in their executive suite, a tour of Ipoh Old Town and a good portion of authentic Ipoh chicken rice.

Following an airplane wing breakfast on the tarmac, guests on board a Trinidad four-seater aircraft will have with them a personal captain, under whose supervision they have the thrill of flying the aircraft themselves.

Passengers fly by Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers before setting course over 200km of Malaysian tropical countryside to Ipoh.


Juicy: While in Ipoh, enjoy the bitter-sweet pomelos, too. In the picture are models Hazalena Zulkifli and Theodor Salser.
Once they arrive, guests will be treated to Ipoh’s most famous home-grown dish, featuring free range chicken (better known locally as “village chicken”).

The chicken is prepared using an intricate hot and cold dunking method which helps it achieve its perfect succulence.

Ipoh chicken rice, a closely guarded recipe of the town folk, is accompanied by bean sprouts tossed with fragrant soy and garlic-oil sauce.

Ipoh bean sprouts are legendary for their thickness and crunchiness and cultivated using fresh water from Ipoh’s limestone hills.

For the excursion’s finale, guests drive through Ipoh’s charming old town which transports visitors back in time to the tin mining era.

They can also take a short stroll to the pomelo stalls for a taste of the bitter-sweet juicy fruit, to round up the authentic Malaysian experience.

Also included in the package is access to the Traders Club lounge, Subang International Airport transfers, complimentary late check-out and complimentary breakfast, beverages and evening cocktails, suit pressing, shoe shine and unlimited broadband Internet access.

The package, which ends on Dec 30, is subject to availability.

Hip-Inn.com To Open No-frills Hotels In Ipoh


IPOH, May 31 (Bernama) -- Hip-Inn.Com Sdn Bhd today unveiled its no-frills hotel with 70-room capacity in Pasir Puteh here which is due for official opening by end of this year.

Under the Hip-Inn.Com brand, the company planned to open another hotel with 50-room capacity in Bandar Meru Raya here by end of 2008.

Hip-Inn.Com's founder Mohd Fizlie Mansor said the two locations were identified after detailed studies involving factors such as market potential and client base.

"The increasing business and leisure travel linked to these areas led our company to look at providing a branded product in this segment. Hip-Inn.Com hotels will appeal to hip young urbanites," Mohd Fizlie said.

"If a hotel is priced too low you're usually afraid of what you will find lurking behind the door. Knowing you can get a clean, crisp room with some designer panache is an attractive proposition," he said during a media briefing here Thursday.

Mohd Fizlie said the Hip-Inn.Com hotels will tap niche markets and target middle-class travellers.

"We aim to be present in secondary cities and suburban areas," he said.

According to Mohd Fizlie, the Hip-Inn.Com hotel is probably the only one in Malaysia providing triple play media technology.

"The triple play media is basically voice, Internet and video on a single platform which enables guests to enjoy room entertainment such as access to 1,000 channels via IPTV (Internet Protocol television) and Internet game zone as well Internet browsing," he said.

Wi-Fi connectivity will also be provided in public areas and individual rooms, he added.

Hip-Inn.Com's co-founder Elhan Wan Hassan said the company was offering a radical hotel concept and planned to expand to 18 hotels around the country within two years from its base in Ipoh.

-- BERNAMA

Smoother travel on NSE next year

By WONG SAI WAN
saiwan@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: The balik kampung crawl along the North-South Expressway (NSE) is expected to be a thing of the past from next year when expansion work at four busy stretches are completed.

The widening works, costing about RM1bil, involve a third lane on three sections – Seremban-Senawang, Senawang-Ayer Keroh and Rawang-Slim River – and the creation of parallel toll-free lanes at the Ipoh Selatan-Jelapang stretch.

PLUS chief operating officer Nik Airina Nik Jaffar said the concessionaire had been working on these stretches since 2005.

She said the extra lane in the Seremban-Senawang stretch, involving some 7km, would be opened to traffic next month.


Men at work: A parallel road being created along the NSE near the Ipoh Selatan toll plaza to ease congestion.
“This will be followed by the 61km section between Senawang and Ayer Keroh in September,” she added.

At present, traffic comes to a halt just before the Seremban toll during peak travel periods like festive holidays adding hours to the journey.

The Rawang-Slim River stretch is scheduled to be completed by year-end.

This section, which is the longest at 72km, also experiences traffic snarls during the balik kampung rush.

As for the Ipoh Selatan-Jelapang stretch, Nik Airina said the upgrading works involved the removal of the Jelapang toll plaza.

“Safety is the motive here because the toll plaza area is located at a downhill gradient and there have been many accidents here.

“The toll gates will be moved to the side with the construction of two dual-lane local roads between the Ipoh Selatan and Jelapang interchanges.

“This means expressway users will have uninterrupted travel between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. At the same time local residents will still enjoy toll free travel between the two interchanges,” she added.

Ipoh still consider as a laidback city...but foods and the old world charm is very captivating.As Ipoh still consider as a transit destination for lunch as travellers stop for lunch on NSE. Hopefully the double tracking project will further boost Ipoh image.

12,000 sign up for Ipoh run

http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/20070629083939/insidepix1
Ipoh Datuk Bandar Datuk Mohd Rafiai Moktar (left) looking at an exhibit at the Road to Nationhood Merdeka Exhibition
IPOH, Fri:

Some 12,000 participants have signed up for the Ipoh International Run (IIR) 2007.

They include nearly 500 runners from Kenya, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Austria, Denmark, China, India and Sri Lanka.

Organising chairman T. Murugiah said the entries were still coming in and he was confident this year’s event would be bigger and better than last year’s.

"The figure has surpassed the 10,000 we targeted, and this is very encouraging," said Murugiah after the presentation ceremony of 100 IIR 2007 T-shirts.

The T-shirts were sponsored by the The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, which is the co-sponsor of the run.

NSTP field sales manager (circulation — Perak) Dzulamarulhilmi Mahar Affendi presented them to the Datuk Bandar, Datuk Mohd Rafiai Moktar, and Murugiah.

Five thousand copies of the New Straits Times will also be distributed on the day of the run. The newspapers are sponsored by Lee Tuck Construction, the city council’s waste management contractor.

Last year, the IIR attracted about 6,500 participants, including foreigners.

This year’s run will be held on Sunday at the Dataran Ipoh.

The closing date for entries is tomorrow. For more details, call the secretariat at 05-2442264/05-2442212/05-2442335 or visit the website mbi.gov.my.

Meanwhile, the Road to Nationhood Merdeka Exhibition, organised by NSTP at the city council’s foyer here, is drawing in the crowds.

Mohd Rafiai, who visited the exhibition yesterday, said the exhibition would help create more awareness about the country’s struggle for independence.

The exhibition is being held in conjunction with the country’s 50 years of Independence and the Ipoh International Run 2007.

The exhibition, which began on June 25, ends on Sunday. It is open to the public from 8am to 5pm.

Abdullah Announces Two Projects To Spur Kinta Valley Development



Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi with his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah attending a luncheon with state government and Barisan Nasional leaders, department heads and Umno veterans in Ipoh. Pix: Dusa Abas

IPOH, June 29 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced today that the government will upgrade the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here and establish a commuter train service between Ipoh and Penang.

The prime minister said the two projects would spur development in the Kinta Valley.

"We'll extend the runway. We need to have a better airport," he told reporters after attending a luncheon with state government and Barisan Nasional leaders, department heads and Umno veterans at a hotel here before concluding his one-day visit to Perak.

Abdullah said the airport would be expanded and eventually used by Malaysia Airlines' low-fare subsidiary, Firefly.

However, he did not say when the projects would start.

The state government and several groups, especially those representing Perak tourism and manufacturing sectors, have been clamouring for the airport to be upgraded to enable it to accommodate bigger aircraft.

The Transport Ministry has previously suggested that the airport be used as a hub for low-cost carriers for the northern region and Asia.

The Perak government has also indicated its willingness to fork out RM40 million to upgrade the airport if there were guarantees that the facility would be used for domestic and international flights.

On the proposed commuter train between Ipoh and Penang, Abdullah said the service was needed in line with the rapid growth seen in Perak and the northern region comprising places like Penang, Seberang Perai and Sungai Petani in Kedah.

He said the commuter service would address traffic congestion and facilitate the movement of people between the states involved.

In his speech, Abdullah urged the people to keep tabs on goings-on in their respective families as this was necessary towards ensuring the well-being of the society.

During his brief visit to the state accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, the prime minister opened an exposition to commemorate the country's 50th independence anniversary, Visit Malaysia 2007 and 100th anniversary of Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Indera Mulia Stadium here.

Abdullah and Jeanne, who married recently, were also feted by the wives of state elected representatives at Perak Menteri Besar's official residence where the couple was presented with a cake.

-- BERNAMA

A landmark older than Ipoh

FEW things in Ipoh are older than the town itself, but the Paloh Khoo Miu Temple still stands majestically by the bank of the Kinta River.

The temple, also known as the Chinese Tai Pak Koong Temple, was built in 1872 to house the spirit of Tai Pak Koong who hails from Hai Zhu Island near Penang, according to the vice president of the temple committee, Kew Chin Fah.

He explained that when the early Chinese settlers in Ipoh (known as Paloh back then) faced numerous problems, the temple was built so that the local townfolk could be blessed with peace and prosperity.

Today, the temple houses numerous other deities as well.

The temple has survived some disastrous incidents in the past, more significantly during World War II where most of the temple’s historical records, documents and photographs were tragically destroyed.

However, many of its old relics are still well-preserved, and is now displayed openly.

When one enters the temple, what stands out most is the ornaments, which include a wishing pond, guarded by a dragon, that is located near the gate.

The temple’s entrance is surrounded by two statues of lions and an altar, and above it hangs a grand, gold-painted wood sculpture.

One of the rooms surrounding the temple houses a glass cabinet containing tablets inscribed with Chinese medical prescriptions, believed to be prescribed by Tai Pak Koong himself, who was said to have cured many people of diseases.

According to Kew, the temple runs on donations from generous devotees. He adds that tourists from as far as the United States and Europe have visited the temple.

When asked what his hopes were, he replied, “I hope that this temple will continue to bless not just the people of Ipoh, but all Malaysians as well, respective of race or religion.

“Also, I hope that the temple and all its historical relics will be preserved for future generations.”

Ipoh airport to be upgraded

IPOH: The under-utilised Sultan Azlan Shah Airport’s terminal building will be upgraded and the runway lengthened so that the airport can service low-cost carriers.

“Due to the short runway, the airport cannot take in larger planes such as A320 Airbus which is a popular aircraft among low-cost carriers,” said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy on Saturday.

“The Economic Planning Unit, Finance Ministry and the state will come up with the proposal, which will then be submitted to the Prime Minister,” he told reporters after launching the Perak International Skydive Visit Malaysia 2007.

The proposal, he said, would include extending the runway, upgrading the terminal building and control tower so that bigger planes could use the airport.

He added that it was crucial to bring more flights to the airport here to revive it and make a positive impact on the state’s economy.

The airport now serves only weekly flights from here to Medan.

Last year, low-cost carrier AirAsia stopped flights from here to Senai, citing the short runway as the reason.

Chan, who is also MCA deputy president, added that the ministry had given approval to low-cost carrier Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, to fly from Subang to Ipoh and Senai to Ipoh.

Firefly would be using turbo propeller planes from Italy for the sector, he said.

“Firefly is expected to take delivery of the new planes by the third-quarter of next year,” he added.

On another matter, Chan said commuter services linking Penang and here would only begin when work on the double-tracking project from here to Padang Besar (southern Thailand) was completed.

He added that work on the double-track project was scheduled to start next year.

Greentown Could Be Next MSC Cyber Centre In Perak


IPOH, July 19 (Bernama) -- The Greentown trade and administrative centre here could be the second Multimedia Super Corridor cyber centre in Perak after the Meru Raya town which obtained the status in May.

The chairman of the State Committee for Education, Human Resources and Information Technology, Datuk Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir said the state government was making the initiative as it feels that there should be more MSC cyber centres to develop Perak as an information communication technology hub in the country.

He said Greentown fit the bill as it was located in the centre of Ipoh city, and also housed modern buildings with full wireless broad brand coverage.

"The Perak state government is certain that Greentown will become the most sophisticated area in Malaysia with not only its modern buildings but also its offer of advanced technologies that will benefit everyone," he said.

He said this after witnessing the signing of an agreement on the application for cyber centre status in Greentown Square and Suria, between the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) and Rimbunan Raya Sdn Bhd and Anjung Hijau Sdn Bhd, here Thursday.

PKNP was represented by its IT Director, Abdul Aziz Wok Ghazali while Rimbunan Raya by its chairman, Major Gen (B) Datuk Mohd Arif Ali. Anjung Hijau was represented by its executive director, Mohd Yusof Muhammad Isahak.

Zambry said the state government, through PKNP, will work with private companies through a committee to help develop Greentown as a MSC cyber centre.

"We are confident Greentown will not face any problems in fulfilling the criteria set by the Multimedia Development Corporation and achieve the MSC status in a year."

He said Perak also offered investment opportunities in the area of ICT, complementing in the areas where it is less offered by other states like Selangor and Pulau Pinang.

In the development of the Northern Corridor Economic Region meanwhile, the state government will work with Selangor, Penang, and other bordering states to ensure that Perak's development agenda is achieved.

He said the state was also confident of achieving its aim to make Perak a Wireless State and was working at upgrading its wireless broadband from WiFi to WiMax which has a more wider access to the internet.

-- BERNAMA

Firefly to fly to Ipoh from Subang, Senai

IPOH: Low- budget airline Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, is expected to operate flights from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport in Subang and Senai airport in Johor to the under-used Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here in the third quarter of next year.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the service would start when the airline took delivery of a batch of planes from Italy.

"We have approved their applications to fly to these destinations but Firefly could not operate as they faced a shortage of aircraft," he said after opening the Perak International Skydive Visit Malaysia Year 2007 held in conjunction with the Perak Carnival at the Perak Aero Club yesterday.

Present were state Agriculture, Agro-based Industries and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Radzi Manan and state National Unity and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk G. Rajoo.

Eleven flying clubs, including one from Singapore, are participating in the three-day show which began on Friday.

Firefly, based in Penang, flies to Langkawi, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand.

Malaysia Airlines had signed an agreement with Avion Transport de Regional for the purchase of the 72-seater Turboprop ATR 72-500 aircraft. Initially, 10 aircraft would be delivered.

On the extension of the runway at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Chan said this would be discussed at a meeting next week.

Govt Approves Firefly's Flights From Subang To Ipoh


IPOH, July 14 (Bernama) -- The government has approved the application of Firefly, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), to service the Senai-Ipoh and Subang-Ipoh air routes.

Announcing this today, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said that Firefly will be using turbo prop aircraft which was suitable for the short flights ranging from two to two-and-half hours.

"Firefly is currently using the Fokker aircraft which made Penang a hub but it is acquiring ATR 72 from Italy and we are confident that with the aircraft, Firefly will be able to have more flights between Ipoh and Subang and Ipoh and Senai.

"The ministry hopes that Firefly will start operations as soon as they take delivery of the first batch of the aircraft," he told reporters after the launch of the International Skydive Visit Malaysia Year 2007 here today.

Firefly is expected to take receipt of the first batch of ATR 72 in September next year.

In June, MAS and ATR (Avion de Transport Regional) signed the agreement in Rome, Italy for the purchase of 20 ATR turbo prop 72-500s.

The contract worth US$360 million was for the purchase of each aircraft at US$18.3 million per unit.

Firefly flies twice a week from Penang to Langkawi, Kota Baharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Phuket and Koh Samui. It started the domestic operations on April 3, and its international operations 10 days later using two Fokker Friendship aircraft.

In June, the government allowed Firefly to operate from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport as its second hub after Penang. It was to facilitate flights from the airport to all its domestic destinations and also to Indonesia and Thailand.

On the project to expand the runway at the Sultan Azlan Shah airport here, Chan said a meeting will be held next week involving representatives from his ministry and the Ministry of Finance, the Economic Planning Unit, Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd and the Perak State Government to come up with the working paper on the upgrading of the airport.

A proposal will be made to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi once the working paper is ready.

The proposal will cover not only the runway expansion but also other facilities such as the terminal and the Department of Civil Aviation tower building.

The state government and various parties especially from the tourism industry of Perak had in the past called for the upgrading of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in order to facilitate the landing of larger aircraft. The transport ministry had also previously proposed making the airport a Low Cost Carrier hub in the northern region of the peninsular.

The state government meanwhile has expressed its readiness to spend RM40 million on the airport on the guarantee that flights both domestic and international will be operated from the airport.

-- BERNAMA

Ipoh-Padang Besar Double Tracking Rail Project To Begin Early 2008


IPOH, July 12 (Bernama) -- Contruction work for the Ipoh-Padang Besar double tracking railway project is expected to start early next year, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said Thursday.

However, the total cost of the project which is going to be undertaken under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) was being negotiated between the MMC-Gamuda consortium and the government, Chan said after inspecting the double tracking railway project from Rawang to Ipoh.

"We expect work to commence early next year. The Ipoh-Padang Besar project is expected to take five years to be completed," he said.

On the Seremban-Gemas stretch of the double tracking project, Chan said the government was still negotiating with the parties concerned on the project, which is also expected to start next year.

"We are in the midst of waiting for the reply from Ircon (Indian Railway Construction Company). They have not replied yet until now. They have until middle of August to make a decision on whether to accept or reject the offer," he said.

Ircon has been invited by the government to participate in the project.

On the Ipoh Airport runway expansion plan to accommodate the Airbus A320, Chan said a meeting will be held next week involving the Transport Ministry, Economic Planning Unit, Finance Ministry, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and Perak state government to work out the cost of the project.

"State representatives will be invited. Once the cost has been worked out, we will submit it to the Prime Minister's Department for official approval," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Morubina To Build A 5-star Hotel At Ipoh Riverside


IPOH, July 4 (Bernama) -- The Morubina Group will invest RM120 million in developing the Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Service Suites at Jalan Lim Bo Seng here, due for completion in September 2009.

Established in 1981, the Ipoh-based group has interests in hotel, property development and management, construction, food and beverage, pre-school to higher education, manufacturing and retailing.

Group managing director Ting Sing Yiew said Wednesday the project on a 2-ha site on the banks of the Kinta River will have two components - a RM80 million 19-storey five-star hotel and 20-storey RM40 million serviced apartments and suites.

"The 313-room hotel will be the first five-star here and its Grand Ballroom will be the largest pillarless hall in the city, able to accommodate up to 1,600 people," he said when met at the company's sales office here.

Ting expressed confidence that the hotel will help draw more visitors to Ipoh even though some quarters question whether the state capital really needs a five-star hotel.

"Some things need to be done to draw visitors; Ipoh needs a presentable hotel when big events are held," he stressed. "I am sure that when the hotel is ready, organisers of big and important events will beat a path to its door.

"Furthermore, Morubina seeks to integrate lifestyle property developments into the travel and tourism industry to enhance the mutual gain of both sectors."

On the 239 serviced apartments and suites, Ting said buyers have two choices - the 3-room Type A with 1,223 sq ft and the 2-room Type B of 808 sq ft.

Type A, with a river and park view, is priced between RM338,999 and RM438,999, while Type B is going for RM199,999-RM299,999.

Almost 40 percent of the units have been sold since the soft launch two weeks ago.

"We are also offering five penthouse units at between RM730,000 and RM2.8 million, but these are for invited purchasers only," he added.

According to Ting, the company will hold road shows abroad, including in Medan (Indonesia), Guangzhao (China), Thailand and Hong Kong, to promote the project, which will be officially launched in September.

He said the state government has agreed to upgrade and beautify a 29-ha area adjacent to the project.

"We will be developing a one-stop leisure centre with more than 300 shops and bazaars, over 50 cafes, restaurants and bistros, a flea market, and an auditorium along the 1.5 km stretch of the river bank," he said.

"This goes to prove that transforming the Kinta Valley into a tourist destination and restoring it to its former glory is no longer a dream."

Mini replicas of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Tower Bridge, the Penang Bridge, Bach de Roda Bridge in Spain and the Millau Bridge in France will be built at a cost of RM100,000 each as tourist attractions.

The Golden Gate Bridge has already been completed, Ting said.

-- BERNAMA

New train service from Singapore to Ipoh

KUALA LUMPUR: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd will start a new train service between Singapore and Ipoh from Oct 1.

Its intercity services strategic business unit general manager Sarbini Tijan said the service would use the newly completed double tracked section between Rawang and Ipoh.

“We will start with the weekends with a day and a night trip from Singapore to Ipoh and vice versa,” he said at a joint press conference with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) here yesterday.

Sarbini said the services would be in addition to the existing Kuala Lumpur-Penang services which also stop at Ipoh.

“But those are only night trains, except for weekends. The new Singapore-Ipoh service will also run during the day,” he said.

He added that there would be daily services during peak periods such as during Hari Raya.

Sarbini said the fare for the Singapore to Ipoh journey had not yet been confirmed. However, the fare for Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh is RM18 for second class, and RM10 for economy class.

He added that diesel trains would be used but “electric trains are on the way.”

On the Matta Fair, association deputy president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said it was compulsory for travel agents to offer travellers insurance which covered medical expenses and also reimbursements of air tickets and tours.

Perak agrees to new airport, but concerned still

By CLARA CHOOI

IPOH: The Perak government has agreed to a new RM301mil (US$86mil) airport at Seri Iskandar but is concerned that it may turn into a white elephant like the under-utilised Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the Federal Government must discuss its plan for the new airport, located at the new township some 40km from here, with the state.

“If we are going to spend the money, we must make sure the airport is fully utilised and does not turn out like the current one,” he said.

Tajol Rosli said it would be a waste of taxpayers’ money if the new airport was to only facilitate the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh sector.

He explained that the Transport Ministry had given the state until Friday (Aug 17) to decide if it wanted to lengthen the runway at the current airport or build a new airport at Seri Iskandar.

“We were told on Wednesday to make a decision by today,” he said after giving out study loans to students on Friday.

Tajol Rosli said it would cost RM70mil for the runway extension to accommodate the landings of the A320 Airbus or a Boeing 737, which can only ply the Ipoh-Kuala Lumpur route.

A further RM390mil and the demolition of 605 houses would allow for the landing of an A320 Airbus on a three-quarter fuel load but would still not allow international flights to Bangkok, Jakarta and Madras, he added.

“The money can be spent but I am not prepared to demolish the 605 homes for this purpose. So the only option is to construct a new one,” said Tajol Rosli.

He added that members of the public were still welcome to come forward to the state government if they disagreed with the state’s decision on the matter and had alternative ideas.

On a positive note, Tajol Rosli said that the construction of the new airport would mean that high-rise buildings exceeding 10-storeys could be built within the city.

“Previously, because the airport was located inside the city, no approval could be given for the construction of high-rise buildings,” he said.

Tajol Rosli added that the location of an airport in Seri Iskandar was ideal as it was close to many other townships besides Ipoh, like Lumut, Batu Gajah, Kampar and even Pangkor Island.

Hard to expect flights from China,India or beyond for Ipoh, a new airport would become a white elephant. Best to retain the old airport, concentrate on it being used for flight schools.

Perak wants new airport used for passengers and cargo

By CHRISTINA KOH and CLARA CHOOI

IPOH: The Perak state government will only agree to build a new airport in Seri Iskandar if the Federal Government allows it to be used as both a cargo and passenger airport.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said that the state also wanted the proposed RM301mil airport to facilitate cheap flights and chartered flights.

"I think that the Federal Government will realise that it will be profitable," he told reporters after the state assembly meeting here Wednesday.

Tajol Rosli also said that once the airport was approved, dedicated highways from the airport to several destinations would be constructed.

"We will build one from Simpang Pulai to Seri Iskandar and an internal road from the airport to Kampar," he said, adding that it would then take motorists 25 minutes to get from Kampar to the airport.

Roads would also be built from Titi Gantung, near Bota, to Lumut and from Ipoh to Seri Iskandar, he said.

On a timeline for when the new airport would be built, Tajol Rosli said:

"It is not a question of when the airport would be built but when we (the state and the Federal) are going to come to an agreement."

He added that negotiations between the state and the Transport Ministry on the new airport were currently underway.

On what would become of the current Sultan Azlan Shah airport in the city, Tajol Rosli said the state would decide what to do with it when the time arrived.

Tajol Rosli announced last week that the state had decided to go ahead with the construction of the new airport, instead of expanding the runway of the current one.

The new airport, is expected to occupy 404ha of the Seri Iskandar township located about 40km from here, and would be able to accommodate large aircraft like the Boeing 747.

Abdullah On Two-day Visit To Perak From Monday


IPOH, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will make a two-day visit to Perak from Monday.

He will have an audience with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, at Istana Kinta at 9am just after arrival at the airport here. according to a statement from the Perak Menteri Besar's office.

Abdullah will then open the Manjoi group administrative and commercial complex and visit Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Sam Tet before attending a gathering with the people at the Sungai Siput Convention Centre in the afternoon and a dinner organised by the state government at the Banquet Hall, Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan.

On Tuesday he will have breakfast with the state Barisan Nasional liaison Committee, open the the Meru Raya Malaysia MSC Cyber Centre at the Ipoh Padang and have lunch with state Barisan Nasional component party leaders at the official residence of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali.

The prime minister will have a closed-door meeting with the state Umno liaison committee at Bangunan Umno Perak at 2.30pm before returning to Kuala Lumpur.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysia to build world's first humanitarian airport
+ - 13:12, October 18, 2007

The world's first humanitarian airport cum emergency medical care and services terminal is to be built in Bandar Seri Iskandar, 40 km from Ipoh, capital city of Malaysian northern Perak state, local press reported on Thursday.

Casa Pasifik Sdn Bhd, the developer and management company of the project said it had secured money from an overseas humanitarian fund to pay for the construction, which is expected to cost 1 billion ringgit (294 million U.S. dollars).

Casa Pasifik Chairman Mohd Hilmi Ismail said he was waiting for the Transport Ministry to give the go-ahead for the project which has been in the planning stage for 18 months and would take 38 months to complete.

"The Department of Civil Aviation has confirmed that the application complies with airport standards," he said at a press conference in Ipoh on Wednesday.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Perak State Development Corporation and Casa Pasifik on March 20 to develop the project at a 400 hectares site.

The Perak government has asked the company to include a clause to build a commercial airport at the same site in the future, Hilmi said.

"We'll accommodate any proposal to construct facilities for commercial flights as the airport will already be in existence," the New Straits Times quoted Hilmi as saying.

The present Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh is under-utilizedand cannot be expanded.

The focus of the new project will be on the humanitarian aspect. It will provide urgent and preventive medical care as well as other life-changing medical services to people in the Asia-Pacificregion.

The airport will cater for large aircraft and helicopters equipped with medical facilities and surgical suites. It will have a 3,700-meter runway.

The hi-tech specialist hospital at the airport would have 500 beds, with 200 beds under the first phase.

The aircraft would be able to fly to war-torn countries or places where victims were injured due to natural disasters to provide treatment. If the victims need further treatment, they will be flown to the hospital at the airport, Hilmi said.

The project would create downstream activities, including a medical training center and a flying academy, he added.

Source:Xinhua

Malaysia launches World Eco-Tourism Expo 2007


www.chinaview.cn 2007-10-25 21:09:02 Print

IPOH, Malaysia, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia launched the WorldEco-Tourism Expo 2007 in Ipoh, capital city of northern Perak state on Thursday.

The 4-day event was expected to create awareness of rainforests, wildlife and wetlands as well as the lifestyles and heritage of the ethnic minority communities of the Asmat Province of Indonesia and Malaysia.

Malaysian deputy minister of Tourism Lim Siang Chai officially launched the expo.

Malaysia, Brunei, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, and Fiji demonstrated their ecotourism resources at the expo.

The Perak state government has for the first time brought together six international renowned speakers from Rwanda, the United States, China's Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia to give speeches, presentations and demonstrations at the event.

Plan to narrow the digital divide, says Pak Lah

IPOH: The Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) will be expanded nationwide, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

The Prime Minister said the expansion would be carried out in stages through the awarding of MSC Malaysia cyber city- and MSC Malaysia cyber centre-status to those areas.

He said five cyber cities were set up in the first phase of the MSC Malaysia initiative.

The five are Cyberjaya, UPM-MTDC, Technology Park Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Kuala Lumpur Tower.


Talking point: Abdulah speaking to SK Jalong student Nur Aishah Mohd Nasir at the launch of the Meru Raya MSC Malaysia Cybercentre in Ipoh yesterday. With him are his wife Jeanne and Tajol Rosli.
Two more cyber cities and three cyber centres were set up under the second phase, he added. The two cyber cities are Penang Cybercity One at the Bayan lepas Free Trade Zone and the Kulim Hi-tech Park while the three cyber centres are KL Sentral, the Malacca International Trade Centre and Menara MSC Cyberport in Johor.

“This is to enable the people to enjoy the benefits of infrastructure and good quality ICT services,” said Abdullah.

He said this at the launch of the Meru Raya MSC Malaysia Cybercentre in Ipoh Padang here yesterday.

The Meru Raya MSC Malaysia Cybercentre is the latest cyber centre to be set up in the country.

Abdullah said by expanding the MSC, the digital divide among the people would be reduced.

“In a modern high-tech world, ICT is the information stream. To succeed, ICT skills are now a requirement,” he said.

On the MSC Malaysia initiative, Abdullah said it has grown by leaps and bounds and reached its original goals since its launch more than 11 years ago. “The number of foreign and local companies with MSC Malaysia status has grown to more than 1,900.

“The total worth of products and services involving ICT has also increased to RM2.7bil on top of the work opportunities offered at MSC Malaysia status areas increasing to more than 50,000,” he added.

He urged Perak to increase its efficiency in administration and management.

“In the end, what attracts investors is the efficiency of a government administration.”

Earlier, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the Meru Raya cybercentre had secured RM700mil worth of investments from two companies based in Dubai and the United States.

“The investment is set to create 10,000 jobs,” he added.

The Meru Raya cybercentre is part of the state's ICT strategic blueprint known as K-Perak 2010.

Among the infrastructure to be built there is the RM70mil Perak Techno Trade Centre by the Perak State Development Corporation.

PM: MSC Malaysia Has Achieved Its Goals, Driving Knowledge Economy


IPOH, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The Multimedia Super Corridor Malaysia (MSC Malaysia), begun a decade ago, is developing well and is achieving its objectives, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Tuesday.

It is effectively playing its role in leading the way in transforming the national economy towards a knowledge-based one, in addition to setting the foundation for the growth of the nation's ICT industry and intensifying ICT use among the people, he said.

"With God's grace, MSC has succeeded in achieving its original objectives, sprouting more than 1,900 companies, and with the export value of ICT-related products and services amounting to about RM2.7 billion.

"At the same time, job openings in MSC Malaysia status areas have expanded to more than 50,000, 90 per cent of them high-value jobs," he said when launching MSC Malaysia Cybercentre @ Meru Raya at the Ipoh Padang here.

Among those present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin and Deputy Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha.

According to Abdullah, since MSC came into being several ICT applications such as e-services, e-education and telehealth have been successfully introduced and Malaysians can be proud of MSC Malaysia's various achievements.

"Nevertheless, to lift its achievements to a higher level, more Malaysians need to be involved. MSC Malaysia status areas need to be expanded so that the people in the country can enjoy the benefits of ICT-driven infrastructure, facilities and services which are of assured quality," he said.

The Prime Minister said the government's decision to expand the MSC Malaysia status areas will be undertaken in stages beginning with the declaration of MSC Malaysia Cybercity and MSC Malaysia Cybercentre status on areas which meet the criteria.

According to him, in the first phase of the MSC Malaysia initiative, five cybercities have been developed while two more cybercities, plus three cybercentres, will be created in the second phase, with Meru Raya being the latest cybercentre.



Abdullah said that as ICT is an important global knowledge-based tool and channel, lack of access to it can stymie the potential of an individual, state, region and even the nation.

"I am confident that if the MSC Malaysia status expands to even more areas throughout the country, the ICT infrastructure and culture will likewise expand and thus narrow the digital divide," he said.

He felt that with greater development of cybercities, cybercentres and technology parks throughout the country, the competition for both domestic and foreign investment will become more intensive.

"That is why I always stress that the development of cybercities and cybercentres are planned carefully based on niche areas of specialisation," he said.

Abdullah assured support for the Perak government's promotion of Cybercentre @ Meru Raya at the international level.

"Hence, I hope the good name and quality of the MSC Malaysia brand will continue to be nurtured by those concerned," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Perak State Assembly: Developed status by 2015 target 'on track'
By : Shahrul Hafeez

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THE economic indicators of several districts in Perak, including Manjung, Ipoh and Batang Padang, showed that they could achieve developed status well before the set target of 2015.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali told the state assembly that these districts could well achieve the status by year 2012. He was replying to a supplementary question from Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP-Sitiawan).

He said with the upcoming projects to be initiated under the Northern Corridor Economic Region, the other districts especially, those in the north of Perak, would be able to improve economically.

Earlier, Ngeh had asked how the state could achieve its target by the year 2015 when its domestic growth was only less than six per cent per year and pointed out that the average per capita income of RM12,456 was much lower than the national average of RM19,484.

The opposition leader accused the state government of not being confident of achieving its own target as seen by the recent announcement by Tajol Rosli that the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research had been appointed to prepare the strategic planning for a developed Perak by 2015.

Tajol Rosli said the appointment was just another move by the state to ensure the target was achieved.

At a press conference later, Tajol Rosli announced that the Chenderiang industrial zone in Batang Padang would see investors pumping in RM640 million in the next few months for a fertilizer plant and a paper manufacturing factory.

Plan to plant trees in shopping areas
Monday December 10, 2007
TheStar

PERAK exco member Datuk Chang Ko Youn is pushing to add more greenery in Ipoh which he believes will help boost the businesses of traders.

For a start, Chang said the city’s two main roads – Jalan Sultan Idris Shah (formerly Jalan Brewster) and Jalan Sultan Iskandar (formerly Jalan Hugh Low) – should be lined with large, shady trees.

“Scrap one lane from these streets and turn them into four-lane roads instead of five.

“The extra space can be used to plant rows of beautiful trees so that people can actually walk along the pathway and shop, even during the daytime,” he said.

He was speaking after attending the prize-giving ceremony of the national-level annual Orchid Competition and Year-End Mega Sales 2007 at the Ipoh City Council yesterday.

The added greenery, he said, would also help lower the temperature in the city, thus making it more pleasant for shoppers to stroll about the five-foot-ways.

Chang, who is state Urban and Local Government Committee chairman, said that he had proposed this to several businessmen two years back but they had not been agreeable.

“The state government will not want to do something like this unless these businessmen are for it.

“However, the feedback I got from some of them was that they feared scrapping one lane from these roads would worsen the traffic jams in the city,” he said.

Double-track railway not Ali Baba project

By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM

PENANG: The proposed multi-billion ringgit double-track railway between Ipoh and Padang Besar will not end up an "Ali Baba project".

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop expressed confidence that the joint venture company constructing the 329km long double railway track would ensure that the project would have significant bumiputra participation.

"This project will not end up an Ali Baba venture (where the original company that gets the concession to implement a project hands it over to other companies to complete the job),'' he said.

Nor Mohamed said this on Saturday at the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce "Business After Hours" Series 1 with Second Finance Minister at Dorsett Hotel here. The project that would take five years to complete is a joint venture between MMC Corp Bhd and Gamuda Bhd.

3.3km rail tunnel will be region’s longest

IPOH: South-East Asia’s longest rail tunnel will be built in Perak as part of the RM12.5bil double-tracking project from here to Padang Besar.

Announcing plans for its construction in northern Perak, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the 3.3km-long Berapit Tunnel would be part of the 329km-long double-tracking project.

“I would like to thank the Perak government for its full commitment in ensuring the smooth construction of the project,” he said yesterday after attending a briefing on the project with Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali.

Chan said cooperation from the state government was crucial in ensuring the project would be built without any hitches.

He pointed out that the Perak government was asked to help resolve squatter and land acquisition problems so that the construction would not be delayed.

“We need the state to help with the relocation of squatter families, suraus, and Hindu and Chinese temples,” he said.

He added that the state government would need help to acquire 322ha of land that was in the way of the project.

The double-tracking project is made up of 171km from here to Butterworth and 158km from Bukit Mertajam to Padang Besar.

Perak, where 133km of the tracks are located, will make up one of the longest stretch in the entire project.

Chan said the Ipoh-Butterworth stretch would be given priority because it was a continuation of the completed stretch from Rawang to here.

Low-Cost Carriers to Serve More Cities
2008-01-24
New Straits Times


IPOH: Low-cost air services with Singapore could be extended to several cities in Malaysia besides Kuala Lumpur.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said discussions under the bilateral air services agreement would be held soon.

Speaking to reporters after a briefing for Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali on the Ipoh-Padang Besar double- track rail electrification project, he said the government's move followed the interest shown by a number of low-cost carriers to service routes between Singapore and Malaysian cities.

These proposals have found favour with the state governments concerned.

The carriers which have shown interest include Singapore-based Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia as well as Malaysia's AirAsia and Firefly.

Jetstar Asia, Tiger Airways and AirAsia begin plying the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route on Feb 1.

Chan said Jetstar Asia had named Ipoh as one of the Malaysian destinations it would like to serve.

On the Ipoh-Padang Besar rail project, he expected it to be completed on schedule within five years as the state governments concerned had given their commitment to resolve all issues relating to land acquisition and squatter resettlement.

The RM12.485 billion project covering 329km began on Jan 8.

More Chinese primary schools in high density locations

By SYLVIA LOOI

IPOH: More Chinese primary schools will be built at places where there is a high population, said Deputy Education Minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday after visiting SJK (C) Sam Chai here, Hon however declined to reveal the number of schools that will be built and where they would be located.

"Although I know the details, it should not come from my mouth. Wait a little while longer. The good news will be announced soon," he said.

Hon said the MCA had been gathering feedback from its grassroots leaders and the boards of governors of Chinese primary schools in the past few months on the need for new schools to be relayed to the Education Ministry.

"We had been working closely with Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein and ministry officials on the matter," he added.

Hon noted that besides building new schools, the ministry would also continue to expand schools in places where there was a need for it.

March 17, 2008 13:23 PM

Mohammad Nizar Sworn In As Perak MB


KUALA KANGSAR, March 17 (Bernama) -- State Pas secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was sworn in as the new Menteri Besar of Perak at Istana Iskandariah in this royal town here today.

He took the oath of office, pledge of loyalty and secrecy before the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.

Earlier, Mohammad Nizar, 51, an English-trained mechanical engineer, received his instrument of appointment from the Regent.

After the swearing in, Mohammad Nizar signed his letter of appointment witnessed by Ipoh High Court Judge Datuk V. T. Singham.

Present were the Raja di-hilir Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa; the Raja Puan Muda of Perak, Raja Nor Mahani Raja Shahar Shah; State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim and Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria.

Former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali and state assemblymen from the DAP-PKR-PAS coalition state government also attended the ceremony which began at 11.40am.

DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa, Perak PAS commissioner Ahmad Awang and Perak PKR chairman Zulkifli Ibrahim also witnessed the ceremony.

The swearing in was supposed to take place last Thursday but had to be deferred in the absence of clear undertaking from the three parties to form a coalition government.

Following squabbling over the post of executive councillors, Raja Nazrin ordered all the 31 assemblymen from the three parties to submit to him individual letters of undertaking, pledging support to the formation of a coalition government and accepting the appointment of Mohammad Nizar as the Menteri Besar.

This paved the way for the swearing-in today, which coincidentally, is Mohammad Nizar's birthday.

The DAP-PKR-PAS pact wrested control in the state after winning 31 out of 59 seats in the March 8 general election.

Mohammad Nizar won Pasir Panjang state seat, defeating Barisan Nasional's S. Vasan with a majority of 4,474 votes.

He joined Pas in 1995 and contested for the first time in the 2004 general election in Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat but lost to Umno Wanita chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.

He has held numerous posts in the party including as state Pas treasurer and Kampar Pas division chief.

He was educated at the Sekolah Rendah Anglo Chinese Kampar, Sekolah Menengah Anglo Chinese Kampar and Sekolah Menengah Teknik Ipoh before pursuing A-Level in England and later obtained a degree at the Aston University of Science & Technology in Birmingham.

Mohamad Nizar has worked for the Public Works Department, Urban Development Authority and Penang Development Corporation.

He is married to Fatimah Taat and they have eight children -- five boys and three girls.

-- BERNAMA

"Good" News? Or just temporary delayed? The transportation ministry is nothing! I think until 2020 also haven't complete!

KL-Ipoh Commuter Train Service Delayed, To Begin Only In 2010


KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The KL-Ipoh commuter train service, slated to start this year, will be operational only in early 2010, Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said on Thursday.

Since the approval to buy new trains was only given recently, it would take at least another two years for the trains to arrive, he said.

"We have ordered the new trains," he told reporters after his visit to the KTM Berhad head office at KL Sentral.

The journey between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, which will take two hours and 15 minutes, will start from KL Sentral with stops in Rawang, Tanjong Malim, Tapah, Kampar and Batu Gajah before reaching Ipoh.

The service will be available only after completion of the ongoing RM4.3 billion Rawang-Ipoh double-track project which started in 2001.

However, the project was bogged down by delays since 2003 following changes involving an earlier consortium tasked with implementing the project.

To date, 98 per cent of the project has been completed and contractors are now in the final phase of testing the electricity cables.

KTMB is expected to spend about RM150 million to buy six new electric trains, with each train having six coaches, in order to have a service interval for every two hours.

Currently, the commuter service has been extended from Rawang to Rasa station from Kuala Lumpur.

-- BERNAMA

Southbound Jelapang traffic pay toll at new booths
By CLARA CHOOI


IPOH: The southbound lane of the Jelapang toll plaza here, long considered a death trap, has finally been moved.

As at 4pm Friday, motorists heading south on the North-South Expressway from Penang were diverted to pay their toll fares at a brand new plaza, located about 800m away from the Jelapang toll plaza.

Those heading north from Ipoh however are still required to collect their transit tickets at the Jelapang booth, pending the completion of another plaza due in October this year.

Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said that the opening of the new plaza, called the Ipoh Utara Toll Plaza, was the first step in the ministry’s plan to create uninterrupted travel for expressway users between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

“The (reason for the) new plaza is also largely due to the frequency of accidents occurring at the southbound lane of the Jelapang toll.

“With the new plaza, motorists can rest assured that such accidents will cease,” he told reporters Friday during the launch of the Ipoh Utara Toll Plaza.

According to statistics, the Jelapang Toll Plaza has seen a total of 142 accidents in the past 10 years, many of which were fatal.

The last accident on Dec 11 last year killed eight people and injured 14 others when a bus rammed into the back of a tanker.

Mohd Zin said that the frequency of the accidents was because of the unsuitable location of the plaza, which is believed to be situated too close to the steep decline from the Menora Tunnel about 6km away.

As such, many heavy vehicles had trouble braking in time to stop and make payment at the toll booths.

Mohd Zin also said that highway authority Plus Expressway Bhd was targeting to complete construction of all the toll plazas by year-end.

“This means that by Jan 1 next year, this entire stretch will be fully operational and motorists between Penang and Kuala Lumpur will not need to stop at toll booths any longer,” he said, adding that the entire project cost some RM260mil.

With the completion of the RM260mil project, only those wanting to exit at Ipoh Selatan or Ipoh Utara will stop at tollbooths to pay their fares while other motorists can continue their journeys without interruption.

Mohd Zin also urged motorists to abide by the signboards placed on strategic locations to warn of the new traffic diversions to avoid accidents.

===

NEW TOURIST HUB
2011/07/03
By S. Ista Kyra



IPOH: The Medan Kidd bus station will soon benefit from a major facelift.

Mayor Datuk Roshidi Hashim said the former express bus station had been earmarked for an Ipoh tourism hub project.


"We have got the nod from the Tourism Ministry and expect to start work as early as next month," he said after chairing the city council's monthly full-board meeting here recently.


Roshidi said the city council had obtained RM255,000 from the Federal government to upgrade food stalls in the area in the first phase of development.

He said an additional RM350,000 had been approved for other improvement and refurbishment works.


"We will give incentives to the resident entrepreneurs there to encourage them to move their business towards tourism-related activities," he said.

He said the city council was considering exempting budget hotel operators in the area from providing parking spaces.

"Since the development in the area will be transit-oriented , people will rely more on public transport than use their own vehicles to get around," he said.


He said the project was to support the state government's plan for the Ipoh Central bus station in Meru Raya.

"We expect it to complete within 18 months if all goes well," he said.

Roshidi also hope that the improved lighting and landscape works on Ipoh's Heritage Trail will begin early next year.

He said the city council had received RM1 million to carry out the works, as well as a separate RM300,000 to upgrade Panglima Lane, also known as Concubine Lane. "An additional RM2.2 million was also approved to develop the Ipoh Railway Station.

"In two years' time, you can expect to see a different Ipoh skyline," he said.



http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/2kidd/pixgal1

Medan Kidd bus station has been earmarked for a tourism hub project.

New look for Medan Kidd bus terminal
By MANJIT KAUR
manjit@thestar.com.my

THE area where the iconic Medan Kidd bus terminal used to operate is set to be turned into the Ipoh Tourism Hub.

Ipoh mayor Datuk Roshidi Hashim said upgrading works would be carried out soon under a RM600,000 allocation from the Tourism Ministry.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/7/1/metroperak/mp_2kidd.jpg
No hustle and bustle: Medan Kidd where the former bus station was located

The now-gloomy area would be turned into a tourism hub, he said, pointing out that the site was in the heart of the city.

For a start, the Ipoh City Council (MBI) had obtained RM255,000 under Phase One to upgrade the 42 stalls operating there now.

Roshidi said another allocation of RM350,000 had been approved to upgrade other sections. These will be announced later.

“To ensure the project goes on as planned, the council will encourage the present operators there to change their business activities to something related to tourism,” he told reporters after a full council meeting in the state capital yesterday.

For instance, he said he hoped there would be more travel agencies at the lower floors and budget hotels on the upper floors of the buildings.

The council is also mulling over the waiver of the requirement for budget hotels there to provide parking space.

Medan Kidd ceased to be a bus terminal in 2004, when the terminal was relocated to Medan Gopeng following complaints that the area was too congested.

Roshidi said upgrading works should start by August and expected to be completed within 18 months.

“The council will come up with the designs and the contract will be awarded in an open tender,” he said.

Besides the Ipoh Tourism Hub, he said the council had obtained a RM1mil allocation to light up and improve the landscape along the Heritage Trail.

He added that MBI would also upgrade the square in front of the railway station and that the work had been estimated to cost RM2.2mil, and upgrade Lorong Panglima under a RM300,000 allocation.

Roshidi said this allocation was also from the ministry, and work should start soon.

Sebuah projek mega Perak Medi Super Coridor (PMSC) dijangka bakal dibangunkan di negeri Perak yang mampu menyediakan kemudahan dan perkhidmatan kesihatan bersepadu di negeri ini sekaligus menjadikannya sebagai projek pertama di Asia Tenggara.

Projek bernilai RM1.35 bilion yang dibina atas keluasan 468 hektar ini bakal mengandungi sebuah hospital pakar, pusat kesihatan, sebuah hotel, kampus universiti antarabangsa, pusat-pusat penyelidikan, ladang organic, taman tema dan pelbagai lagi.

Projek ini bakal menempatkan Mutiara Healthtech di samping sebuah kampus Universiti Middlesex bakal menawarkan pelbagai perkhidmatan kesihatan daripada rawatan, proses penyembuhan holistik untuk pesakit sehinggalah kepada pengeluaran graduan dalam bidang perubatan.

Pengarah Urusan Kumpulan MutiaraHealthtech Sdn. Bhd. Dr Mohd Ghouse Mohd Noor berkata, projek yang bakal dibangunkan ini akan menjadikan Perak negeri terulung dalam sektor pelancongan kesihatan bagi pasaran dalam dan luar negara.

“Sebelum ini, syarikat kami cuba mencari tapak projek di negeri Melaka, Pulau Pinang dan negeri pelancongan yang lain tetapi setelah menerima cadangan untuk membangunkannya di Perak, kami melihat potensi besar dengan adanya segala kemudahan, tambahan lagi kedudukannya yang strategi di tepi lebuhraya.

“Kawasan tapak ini juga mampu menyediakan tempat menarik untuk pelancong dengan panorama yang luar biasa yang indah dan sememangnya menepati kriteria untuk membangunkan projek mega ini,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas menandatangani Memorendum Persefahaman (MOU) antara Mutiara Healthtech dengan Universiti Middlesex, di Ipoh, hari ini.

Hadir sama, Timbalan Naib Canselor dan Naib Canselor Universiti Middlesex United Kigdom Prof Teryy Butland dan Prof Dr Gill serta ADUN Manjoi, Datuk Nazri Ismail.

“Projek ini bakal menyediakan satu proses penyembuhan holistik untuk pesakit dan keluarga mereka, sekaligus menjadikan usaha ini suatu yang eksklusif dan istimewa,” katanya.

Fasa pertama PMSC akan mula dibangunkan awal tahun hadapan dengan pembinaan Hospital Pakar 120 katil , Pusat Kesihatan yang menyediakan perkhidmatan penjagaan kesihatan komplimentari, resort kesihatan, hotel serta kampus universiti menjelang awal tahun hadapan .

Dr Ghouse berkata, keseluruhan projek ini dijangka bakal mengambil masa dua setengah tahun untuk siap sepenuhnya.

Katanya, dengan adanya Universiti Middlesex yang akan dibina di atas tanah seluas 40 hektar ia dijangka bakal meningkatkan lagi bilangan pengeluaran graduan yang berpotensi besar dalam bidang kesihatan dengan pelbagai kursus yang ditawarkan.

Universiti Middlesex ketika ini mempunyai 22, 000 penuntut daripada 130 buah negara di kampus utamanya di London, katanya.

Ia juga mempunyai cawangan di Dubai, Mauritius dan India, katanya.

“Projek Perak Medi Super Coridor ini akan menjadi kemegahan untuk Malaysia dan rantau ini sekaligus meletakkan Perak dan Malaysia di pentas dunia, “ katanya

http://www.peraknews.com/v3/phpthumb/phpThumb.php?src=http://www.peraknews.com/v3/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DSC04735.jpg&w=290&f=jpg

http://www.peraknews.com/v3/wp-content/custom-php/post_content.php?postID=25742

Development in Manjoi
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/8/4/metroperak/9216708&sec=metroperak

GUGUSAN MANJOI is set to be a developed settlement soon with many projects in the pipeline, the latest being a Mydin hypermarket store.

It would be located near the mini-stadium along Jalan Sri Tanjung in the settlement.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/8/4/metroperak/mp_02market.jpg
Modern look: The new building is part of the Manjoi wet market.

Tambun MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said the store was expected to be completed within three years.

He added that the project would draw more people to the settlement as well as offer new services.

Ahmad Husni said development was important to provide employment and increase the purchasing power of the residents of Gugusan Manjoi.

Gugusan Manjoi, better known as just Manjoi, is a cluster of five Malay villages, and was the largest Malay settlement in the country with a population of 28,000 people. The settlement now had a land office, five schools, 75 shophouses and four mosques.

Ahmad Husni, who is also Second Finance Minister, said the Federal Government planned to turn a mining pool and part of the mini-stadium into a recreational park and sports complex to further enhance the quality of life of Manjoi folks.

He said this after officially opening three new markets in Manjoi. Manjoi assemblyman Datuk Nadzri Ismail was also present.

Manjoi market committee chairman Mohd Anin Mohd Shariff said the buildings provided an additional 25 stalls to the existing 29 stalls.

“The three buildings would have five dry stalls and 20 wet stalls,” he said, adding that the additional stalls were vital as the number of peoplefrequenting the market daily had increased.

He added that the committee was looking for traders who provided items that were not available in the current market to prevent competition with existing stalls.

“We are glad with the RM500,000 allocation provided by the Federal Government for the project,” he said.

The construction of the markets was completed in February. In welcoming the new market, retired headmaster Mohd Haniff Saidin, 70, said the previous market was messy and dirty

“With this new development, residents can look forward to a variety of goods for sale,” he said.

RM50mil Mydin hypermarket to be built in village in Manjoi
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/8/20/metroperak/9329150&sec=metroperak

THE Mydin hypermarket, which will start operations in Manjoi, Ipoh, next year, will be the first Mydin outlet to be set up in a village.

Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said construction of the RM50mil two-storey hypermarket was expected to be completed by next April and open its door to shoppers a month later.

He said Mydin had always set up its outlets along highways or town areas and that it was the first time it is establishing one within the largest Malay settlement in the country.

The sixth hypermarket, he said, was to cater to the needs of those living within a 3km radius.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/8/20/metroperak/mp_4mydin.jpg

“The hypermarket itself will create about 300 jobs for the locals around here.

“This does not include other job opportunities at the hawker stalls and shoplots, which we will be renting out.

“There will be 18 shoplots and eight food stalls available for rental,” he said when briefing Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah on the progress of the construction of the hypermarket in Manjoi recently.

Ameer Ali said a larger outlet would be constructed at an estimated cost of RM150mil in Meru Raya.

Due to its proximity to the North-South Expressway, he said the outlet would cater to locals and travellers.

Speaking to reporters later, Ahmad Husni said the setting up of Mydin in Manjoi would help change the image of the traditional village.

“This village is probably the only one in the country undergoing such drastic transformation.

“Already, we have a government administrative building (Land Office) and a mini stadium here,” said Ahmad Husni, who is also Tambun MP.