The landscape of Ipoh, Perak, is poised for a major transformation over the next two decades due to the RM6.26bil Ipoh Sentral project.
This initiative promises to reshape the urban environment and improve connectivity, but stakeholders are urging authorities to take measures to minimise disruption to residents and protect the city’s unique heritage.
The Ipoh Sentral project, announced last month, will integrate public transport with mixed-use developments – residential, commercial and recreational – on a 27.1ha site near the historic Ipoh Railway Station.
The development will unfold in two phases over 20 years, with collaboration from Railway Asset Corporation (RAC), Perak government and private sector partners like Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB).
Plans include connecting various modes of transport such as trains and buses.
Despite excitement surrounding this project, several associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have voiced their concerns.
They hope that the development will not only improve the city’s infrastructure but also enhance Ipoh Railway Station by improving facilities and introducing faster train services.
Railway station upgrade
Perak Tourism Association president Datuk Mohd Odzman Abdul Kadir said areas next to Ipoh Sentral should not be neglected.
Authorities have given assurances that places of worship like Arulmigu Maha Ganapathy Aalayam temple (left), located within the Ipoh Sentral project area, will be preserved.
“While we eagerly anticipate the development, a crucial aspect that demands immediate attention is the rehabilitation of Ipoh Railway Station.
“The station serves as a primary entry point for visitors to Ipoh, and neglecting its upgrade will significantly impact the overall tourist experience.”
He emphasised the need for KTM Bhd and RAC to prioritise improvements to the station’s facade, modernise services and replace the public address system.
Mohd Odzman also pointed out the importance of enhancing tourism infrastructure in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), a campaign aimed at attracting international tourists.
“The recent opening of AC Hotel in Ipoh demonstrates our readiness to host national and international conferences,” he said.
“To ensure a successful VM2026, the association will collaborate with Ipoh City Council (MBI), Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) and Tourists Guides Association to conduct an audit on tourism products to identify areas for improvements.”
Public consultation is vital in the development process, Mohd Odzman said, urging authorities to actively seek input from both locals and past visitors through social media surveys.
This approach would provide valuable insights and ensure that the development reflected the needs and expectations of the community, he added.
View of Ipoh Railway Station (right) which is adjacent to the Ipoh Sentral project. — Photos: RONNIE CHIN/The Star
“It’s crucial to remember that a successful tourism experience extends beyond just food and attractions; it encompasses the overall lifestyle of the host community, including cleanliness and well-maintained public facilities.”
Satellite city
Perak Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association of Malaysia (Rehda) chairman Loh Ban Ho noted that demand for tourist accommodation in Ipoh was rising and would increase further once the Ipoh Sentral project took off.
With Ipoh’s population hovering around 900,000, he acknowledged that although demand for housing might currently be limited, this could change if local residents could commute daily to Kuala Lumpur for work.
“All Perakians living in Selangor can return to their hometown, potentially transforming Ipoh into a satellite city of Kuala Lumpur.
“However, to ensure this, public transport needs to be in sync with the growth of the city.
Ng: More parking spaces, improved urban planning will be needed.
“Our trains from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur are still not fast enough; travelling time should not exceed one-and-a-half hours,” he said.
Loh pointed out that in other countries, fast trains were common, with people living 200km to 300km from a city commuting for work.
“People can live as far away as Ipoh or Butterworth but travel to Kuala Lumpur to work.
“If the Ipoh Sental project is realised, Ipoh will grow tremendously in every aspect,” he said.Tunnel as tourist spot
Artist’s impression of the bus terminal planned for Ipoh Sentral. — Courtesy of MRCB
AJ Kinta Perak Community Welfare Association president Roslan Ali highlighted the potential economic benefits of Ipoh Sentral, stating that it would raise the living standards of residents while providing convenience for commuters, particularly those travelling between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur.
But he also had a suggestion for the state government – reopen an underground tunnel that once ran from the police station to the High Court building, a remnant of the colonial era.
“This tunnel was used by the police to bring accused individuals to court, and the younger generation is largely unaware of its existence.
“Since it is located near where Ipoh Sentral is expected to be constructed, if this tunnel were reopened, I am sure the city will be able to add another tourism spot,” he said.
In September last year, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) M. Kulasegaran had reportedly said that underutilised tunnels beneath high court buildings could be repurposed as tourist attractions.
Potential drawbacks
NGO Ipoh City Watch, however, cautioned that while the project promised numerous advantages, it also poses challenges related to construction duration, heritage preservation and financial risks.
A tunnel that used to link Ipoh High Court and the police station was in use during the colonial era. — Filepic
Its president Dr Richard Ng emphasised that careful planning and community engagement were essential to maximise benefits while addressing potential drawbacks.
“I am also sceptical of the authorities’ plan to lower carbon emissions and encourage the use of public transport instead of private vehicles, unless a light rail transit (LRT) or autonomous rapid transit (ART) system is implemented,” he said.
Ng pointed out that the project’s long timeline could lead to prolonged construction activities, potentially disrupting the daily lives of residents.
Furthermore, taxpayers may be concerned about the funding structure and whether public funds will be utilised, which could impact MBI’s budget.
“Taxpayers and the public will expect transparency and accountability in the planning and execution of the project; public consultations and feedback mechanisms are essential to ensure that the project meets the needs and expectations of the community,” he stated.
As Ipoh Sentral attracts more visitors and commuters, Ng also warned that demand for parking spaces in the surrounding area would rise, leading to congestion and a shortage of bays, especially in heritage zones like Ipoh Old Town.
Roslan: State government should reopen tunnel under Ipoh High Court.
“The parking crunch highlights the need for improved urban planning, including multi-level parking facilities, park-and-ride systems and enhanced public transport options to reduce reliance on private vehicles,” he added.
Currently, the city council has created about 22km of cycling tracks in the city, but Ng questioned their effectiveness in encouraging residents to cycle, given that the traffic system had not been improved in terms of safety.
And to encourage people to walk, he said, “Pedestrian pathways must be safe, senior citizen- and disabled-friendly as well as protected from bad weather, with more trees.”
He also noted that the area earmarked for Ipoh Sentral development included several heritage buildings constructed in the early 1900s.
“Despite assurances, many are concerned about the impact of development on the city’s historical sites and cultural heritage, and how they would integrate with the existing sites.
“I hope the city council will enforce strict adherence to the Heritage Act and impose penalties for any breaches in implementation.”
Preserving city’s rich history
During the memorandum of agreement signing for the Ipoh Sentral project last month, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the first phase, covering 2.55ha, was set to start in six months and be completed in two years.
He said this phase would enhance landscaping and recreational aspects while preserving heritage elements and existing places of worship.
Mohd Odzman: Ipoh Railway Station should be upgraded.
The second phase will cover a mixed development over 24.7ha, including serviced apartments, office and commercial spaces, hotels and community facilities.
“With a gross development value (GDV) of RM6.26bil, Ipoh Sentral, designed as a public-private partnership model, is expected to bring significant economic benefits both locally and nationally,” he stated.
Loke described the project as a continuation of the city’s rich history, with the aim of introducing modern and sustainable development.
“This concept reduces dependence on private vehicles while contributing to carbon emission reduction, aligning with the nation’s climate change agenda.”
At the signing ceremony, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the project symbolised the state’s commitment to making Ipoh a progressive and resilient city, in line with aspirations under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda.
Loh: With faster trains, Ipoh could become KL’s satellite city.
He said that Ipoh Sentral aligned with the state government’s vision to position Ipoh as a modern city.
“This project is expected to serve as a catalyst for the transformation of Ipoh – from a historic mining centre to a modern, competitive hub – while preserving its cultural and historical heritage,” Saarani said.
He added that the development would also pay attention to the needs of persons with disabilities, in line with MBI’s goal to make Ipoh an inclusive, people-friendly, smart and prosperous city.
“The planned green spaces and recreational areas will become the heart of community activities, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of residents.”
