THE Royal Nature Scholar (RNS) project has been incorporated into the Kuala Kangsar District Local Plan 2035.
The project’s emphasis will continue to be on preserving nature, strengthening the town’s royal status and maintaining its identity as a centre of learning, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Within the vicinity of Kuala Kangsar are Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah and renowned educational institutions like Malay College Kuala Kangsar and Madrasah Idrisiah, he said, adding that the urban development project was envisioned in 2020 by former Kuala Kangsar MP Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid.
“The project has been incorporated into the district local plan, which was gazetted on March 16, 2023.
“This document will serve as the main reference for the development of Kuala Kangsar district over the next 10 years.
“The plan envisions Kuala Kangsar as a ‘Prosperous Green Heritage District’, and therefore the elements of RNS remain relevant and are being enhanced,” he said in reply to Berhanudin Ahmad (PN-Manong) during the Perak State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh yesterday.
Berhanudin had asked about the development of Kuala Kangsar, the status of RNS and economic development along the banks of Sungai Perak, particularly in the Manong area.
Saarani said the Perak State Structure Plan 2040 and the district local plan outlined the strengthening of the Manong-Beruas-Parit Agricultural Corridor, focusing on high-tech agriculture, livestock and fisheries.
Other projects, he said, included upgrading amenities around Dataran Amanjaya Manong by expanding areas for temporary business activities, such as food truck zones and car boot sales.
Dilapidated business areas would also be redeveloped, he said, adding that the Sungai Perak Bike Trail project was expected to be completed by August.
“The 32km trail along the river will pass through several villages from Lembah Kuala Kangsar to Victoria Bridge.
“It will attract cyclists from across Malaysia and serve as a recreational attraction, boost local economic activities and highlight Kuala Kangsar’s riverside scenery,” he said.
Additionally, he said Federal Government funding had been received for the National River Trails programme to upgrade facilities at the Kuala Kangsar Recreational Park for camping, jogging, water activities and to promote environmental awareness.
Several other high-impact projects to be executed along Sungai Perak included the construction of five jetties with access roads and lighting, redevelopment of boat terminals, ticket counters and building a viewing tower, added Saarani.
