PERAK has outlined several key strategies to encourage tourists to stay longer in the state in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
State tourism, industry, investment and corridor development committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said one of the main initiatives was the “Stay & Explore Perak” package, which offered discounts and special rewards to visitors who stayed for at least one night.
He said Perak aimed to welcome 10.5 million domestic tourists and 1.1 million foreign visitors in 2026 with the planned initiatives.
“Tourism Perak will also ramp up its promotional efforts locally and abroad and introduce QR codes on brochures.
“The ‘Linktree’ platform will be utilised to help visitors access information, book accommodation, find travel guides and enjoy special offers from tourism operators,” he said.
Loh added that tourists could look forward to exploring attractions such as Gua Tempurung in Kampar, Royal Belum State Park in Gerik and the cultural heritage sites of Kuala Kangsar and Taiping.
He was replying to Azman Noh (BN-Pengkalan Baharu) during the Perak State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh yesterday.
Azman had asked about the state’s preparations for VM2026, noting that although tourist arrivals to Perak had increased, statistics showed that the state had yet to successfully encourage visitors to stay overnight.
Loh said community involvement remained a priority.
“Through the Homestay and Kampung-Stay programmes, residents in Kampar, Lenggong and Kuala Kangsar are receiving training and support to develop tourism products rooted in culture, agriculture and local heritage.
“The state government is also diversifying its offerings with new products in eco-tourism, agro-tourism and tin-mining heritage tourism to further highlight Perak’s unique identity,” he said.
Later, state housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng told the state assembly that there were no plans to open a new landfill in Kampar, as the existing facility under Kampar District Council, which handled about 60 to 70 tonnes of waste a day, had sufficient capacity until 2040.
“Instead of opening new sites, the state is working to extend the lifespan of existing landfills through waste-reduction campaigns, promoting a circular economy and exploring modern waste-treatment technologies,” she said.
Ng said this reply to Bavani Veraiah (PH-Malim Nawar) who asked about the Kampar landfill, if the state was considering waste-to-energy (WTE) technology, and measures to safeguard public health and the environment.
On the WTE, Ng replied that the matter was being studied, with local authorities engaging companies offering the technology and conducting study visits to review successful models.
However, she noted that high implementation costs remained a challenge, and that the state was exploring alternative financing options such as public-private partnerships.
Ng also said Kampar District Council was enforcing stricter measures including fines of up to RM1,000 for illegal dumping, routine inspections and regular patrols.
Recycling programmes for used cooking oil, tyres and e-waste are also being promoted.
“With consistent collection, organised disposal, strict enforcement and community participation, we aim to ensure waste management in Kampar remains sustainable and does not compromise public health or the environment,” she added.
