The first cycle of the Cultural Economy Catalytic Grants (GPEB) saw a total of 23 applications being approved with an allocation of RM1.7 million.
Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin binti Dato’ Mohammed Radzi said the state government supports the implementation of the Northern Region Archaeotourism Network programme which comprises the GPEB.
“7 individuals and 16 organisations who are selected will receive benefits from the GPEB programme to empower archaeotourism in the northern region especially in the districts of Lenggong, Kuala Kangsar and Taiping.
“I am informed that 45% of the receivers are from Lenggong, 23% from Taiping, 9% from Kuala Kangsar and others from cities in Perak and Kedah.
“The first cycle of the grant programme saw 53% of the approvals in the category of content creation, 32% in capacity building and advocacy as well as 15% in demonstration. There are more than 40% of successful female applicants for this cycle,” she said during a media conference in conjunction with the announcement of grant receivers at Tasik Raban Resort at Lenggong yesterday.
The GPEB programme was announced as part of the Budget 2022 initiatives.
The GPEB is in line with the objectives of the Northern Region Archaeotourism Network & Local Economic Development programme, a Think City initiative, under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance.
According to Nolee, the state government welcomes the initiative of Think City which will boost culture-based tourism in the community.
“The northern region’s unique cultural assets could be leveraged to create a multiplier effect on the socio-economy. For instance, the landmark heritage monuments, historical architecture, traditions, archaeological sites, rich biodiversity and cultural diversity.
“The effort will also provide opportunities to community-based projects and small players to contribute to the local tourism sector.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Think City, Hamdan Abdul Majeed said the cultural, natural and archaeological sites which are rich in history have the potential to be developed to the international level.
“Think City has identified potential nodes in the northern region which can enhance culture-based experiences.
“We also encourage applications from other important sites such as Guar Kepah, Sungai Batu, Lembah Bujang, Alor Setar, reserves like Sungai Prai and Royal Belum as well as Perlis.
Rosli Mansor
So much for this programme and that programme, this grant and that grant, The fact remains that Perak doesnt seem to get it right. Just take a look at the Lenggong UNESCO site. Its poorly maintained and its miserable. Just take a look at Ipoh city. Half of the city is squalid to say the least especially in areas around the UTC. Half of the beautiful limestone hills surrounding Ipoh is bald and fast dissappearing. What is DBI and the State Government doing about it?