By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The city of Ipoh is capable of standing alongside other major global cities like New York, especially after winning the Scroll of Honour UN- Habitat 2024 Award.
Ipoh Mayor, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, stated that this dream is no longer a joke, as evidenced by the success of the Ipoh Donut Economy Program launched last year.
“Ipoh is no longer a village, it can compete on the same level as New York and other major cities in the world… it’s not impossible.
“Many may laugh at this, but the series of successes we’ve achieved and the global recognition we’ve received serve as proof.
“UN-Habitat is a body under the United Nations that studies urbanization and sustainability.
“Not many cities receive this recognition. For this year, only two cities were honored, Ipoh and one in Morocco, along with three individuals and associations,” he said.
He said at a press conference after chairing the September Full Council Meeting here today.
He added that the award recognizes Ipoh’s efforts to become a donut city focused on health, the environment, and sustainable development.
“There are five award recipients from around the world for 2024, including Ipoh.
“For Southeast Asia, we (Ipoh) are the only recipients of this award.
“The Scroll of Honour UN-Habitat 2024 Award acknowledges excellence in urban development.
“I will receive this award on behalf of the Ipoh City Council in Queretaro, Mexico, from October 8 to 10,” he further stated.
He also expressed hope that the Ipoh community would help realize the dream of transforming the city for the better.
“People from outside are starting to see us as an example, but we do not want residents to set a bad example.
“We don’t want them to think this is a city that can be compared to major cities like Singapore, China, and Tokyo, while its people still exhibit undesirable behaviors.
“Negative attitudes need to change, this is essential for making our city more advanced and better,” he said.
