Plans to develop, expand Ipoh tourism underway, says Exco

IPOH: Plans are now afoot to develop and expand the tourism area in the city’s Old Town area.

Perak tourism committee chairman Loh Sze Yee (pic) said the current area in Old Town where tourists normally flock to is small as it is the area around Panglima Lane or Concubine Lane.

He said that the state and Ipoh City Council are working to decentralise it.

“We want to do things systematically and not have all tourists in one place. We are now trying to move some activities to Lorong Seni,” he said at a press conference after opening the Chinese New Year Bazaar at Lorong Seni here on Sunday (Jan 15).

“When we plan, we need to look at the impact to the area. The Old Town still has a lot of offices, and there could be problems if all activities are focused there,” he said.

“Expanding to other areas also makes it easier to control,” added Loh.

Loh said the Paloh Commercial Arch was launched on Friday, and it will be another area for tourism.

“We already have Gerbang Malam night bazaar and the Little India Arch, so now all three major races have their respective commercial and tourism areas,” he said.

Also present was Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.