‘Ipoh needs greater international exposure’

Rumaizi signing a plaque to launch the Ipoh signage at MH Hotel, Ipoh. Also present are (left) former Perak Tourism Association president Datuk Mohd Zainal Abidin Abd Kadir and Odzman.

Mayor says city needs more promotion overseas to attract tourists

IPOH needs more international exposure to attract a higher number of tourists to the city.

Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said the city was still not well-known around the world like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and as such more promotion was required for it to become a popular tourism destination.

Rumaizi said he had the opportunity to meet with the mayor of China’s Hangzhou city, where the latter mentioned he did not know of Ipoh.

“He knows Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

“When the Chinese (tourists) visit Malaysia, not many come to Ipoh,” Rumaizi said in his speech during the launch of an Ipoh signage at MH Hotel in Ipoh.

“They also visit places like Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan,” he said, adding that getting listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) Creative Cities Network (UCCN) City of Music was a step forward to get Ipoh recognised in the international market.

Rumaizi also suggested for more recognition for Perak.

“Perhaps we can promote fashion, especially the cultural attires of Perak, to be recognised by Unesco,” he said.

“We will leave it to Perak Tourism Association (PTA) and other relevant organisations to see if they can come up with any other suggestions.

“If it can be done within two years in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Perak’s name should gain traction,” he added.

Separately, Rumaizi said there were 24 Ramadan bazaar locations in Ipoh.

He said the bazaars would continue with an enviroment-friendly concept by encouraging traders to use biodegradable containers.

“We want to continue reducing usage of single-use plastic and create awareness about this.

“I hope that people will bring their own tiffins or containers when buying food at Ramadan bazaars,” he said, adding that education must be continuous and it would take some time before it was fully practised.

Rumaizi said there would be three Rahmah Ramadan Bazaar in the city.

“We worked with Domestic Trade and Living Costs Ministry to hold the Rahmah bazaars.

“One of the locations is Taman Cempaka and the other two will be made known soon,” he said.

On the Ipoh signage, Perak Tourism Association president Datuk Mohd Odzman Abdul Kadir said it was set up in conjunction with the association’s 53rd anniversary.

“We appreciate the support from the government and this is one way for us to give back,” he said.

The signage is located along the slip road near MH Hotel.

Odzman said: “We hope others can follow suit by setting up similar signage at entry points into the city.

“We want visitors to Ipoh, to feel welcome.”