PEDESTRIAN walkways linking several key tourism locations are being planned for Ipoh city.
Perak tourism committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said creating a continuous pedestrian-friendly route linking hotels and attractions could encourage longer stays among tourists.
“The proposed walkability initiative will connect areas like Kinta Riverfront, Gerbang Malam, Ipoh Old Town, Dataran Ipoh and several hotels,” he said during the Perak State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh yesterday.
“We need to connect the dots, from Gerbang Malam to the cafes in Ipoh Old Town and Kinta Riverfront, which is currently less frequented.
“Improving walkability is key to creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem,” he said, adding that upcoming hotel developments would further support the initiative and help extend the Gerbang Malam experience to surrounding areas.
“When there is better walkability, there will be more business activity.”
Loh was responding to Wong Chai Yi (PH-Simpang Pulai) on measures taken to attract high-spending tourists, increase the length of stay and ensure repeat visits to the state.
To a supplementary question by Mohd Hafez Sabri (PN-Manjoi) concerning the under-utilisation of Kinta Riverwalk despite sharing similarities with Melaka’s riverfront, Loh said this was an unfair comparison.
“Melaka started focusing on developing its tourism decades ago.
“Perak, being significantly larger than Melaka, cannot afford to concentrate development in just one location, as tourism investments must be distributed across the state.”
Loh said efforts to revitalise Kinta Riverfront was underway through various programmes including improving connectivity between key attractions.
The sitting has been adjourned sine die.
