The Ipoh Padang is now illuminated with lights following the officiating of the Ipoh Heritage Tourism (IHT) project, aimed to spice up the tourism sector of the state especially in Ipoh.
Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad stated that the development of Ipoh Padang provides a new attraction for visitors to unwind and benefits the local businesses.
“IHT is one of the initiatives in collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) and Ipoh City Council (MBI) worth RM11 million to upgrade the various infrastructure and facilities for heritage tourism in Ipoh.
“It is in line with the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2021-2025 to help the recovery of the local tourism industry which is impacted by the pandemic.
“Besides preserving the heritage, the IHT project will strengthen the economy with an increase in tourist arrival which boosts commerce activities among small and medium-sized businesses. A total of 200 new job opportunities will be generated,” he said during the media conference in conjunction with the launch yesterday.
Present were State Secretary, Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim and Mayor, Dato’ Rumaizi bin Baharin @ Md Daud.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of NCIA, Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan stated that the official opening of Ipoh Padang to the public marked the completion of the 1A Package of the IHT project which had begun in September 2020. Overall, the IHT project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.
“The development of Ipoh Padang involved the installation of light and sound infrastructure displaying the history and culture of Perak and the memoir of renowned cartoonist of the state, Datuk Mohammad Nor Mohammad Khalid (Datuk Lat).
“The main component of the project is a visual and sound display using projection mapping concept on building facade. The building is equipped with facilities for visitors such as toilets and changing rooms.
“The display introduces the uniqueness of the state and becomes a new tourism attraction.
A total of 10 video themes are scheduled for display for three days beginning from the launch. The next display will be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning 9.00pm till 10.30pm.
The interactive display on the facade creates a unique show which is different from that on a white screen.
According to him, the 1B Package involved upgrade and repair works of tourism facilities such as walkways, bridges for pedestrians and shops along Kinta Riverwalk which were completed at the end of 2021 and officiated in January this year.
“NCIA will also carry out upgrading works on the old building of Ipoh Town Hall under phase 2 of the IHT project which is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2022. The building will be upgraded into a performance art centre while the old post office building into a digital art gallery.
Rosli
