TAIPING: For more than a century, the Taiping Clock Tower has quietly watched over the town, a silent witness to its transformation from a tin mining hub into one of Malaysia’s most cherished heritage destinations.
Now, the 145-year-old landmark, also known as “The Fort” is stepping into a new chapter.
Built in 1881, the structure has worn many hats over the decades, serving first as a police station and later as a fire and rescue station.
Today, it serves as a visitor interpretation centre, offering tourists a deeper, more meaningful way to experience Taiping.
Inside, the space has been refurbished, offering a 3D model of the town, digital visual displays and enhanced historical exhibitions, along with Taiping’s peace trails package, namely the Jana Trail, Taiping Tin Trail and the Matang–Kuala Sepetang Trail.
The project, costing about RM400,000 given by the Finance Ministry, includes roughly RM60,000 for upgrading works at the tower, while additional funds were channelled into developing Taiping’s peace trails. The Taiping MP’s contributions of about RM120,000 further supported the initiative.
Perak state executive councillor Loh Sze Yee said the upgrades mark an important step in strengthening Taiping’s position as a competitive tourism destination.
“Taiping has all the ingredients to emerge as a high-value tourism destination rich in history, beautiful natural surroundings, and a calm atmosphere,” he told reporters after launching the Taiping Clock Tower interior refurbishment ceremony on Monday (March 30).
He added that with more than 33 “No.1” distinctions in Malaysia, Taiping carries a unique identity.
From the iconic Taiping Lake Gardens to Bukit Larut, the country’s first hill station, as well as its well-preserved old town heritage, Taiping stands out as a destination unlike any other.
Loh added that the success of Visit Perak Year 2024, which recorded over 10.2 million domestic tourists and nearly one million international visitors, shows the state is on the right track. Of this, Taiping contributed more than 1.5 million visitors.
He added that the launch of the Taiping Peace Trails further complements efforts to develop more sustainable and meaningful tourism products.
“It is not just about bringing tourists to a place, but inviting them to experience values such as peace, harmony and the relationship between humans and nature,” he said.
He added that the state government remains committed to supporting sustainable, inclusive and high-impact tourism development in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Meanwhile, Taiping Heritage Society president Liew Suet Fun said the initiative aims to build a more sustainable tourism programme for Taiping.
She said heritage landmarks such as the Taiping Clock Tower play an important role due to their central location, making them ideal spaces to house information and materials for visitors.
The project, organised by the Taiping Heritage Society in collaboration with the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT), aims to enhance tourist information by highlighting Taiping’s history, cultural stories and natural heritage.
