Perak govt looking at new tourist attractions for visitors, says exco rep

State Tourism Art and Culture Executive Chairman Tan Kar Hing (left) checking on the Chinese decorated items at the Ecopark 1,Botani Garden. - Photo by RONNIE CHIN

IPOH: With the closure of the Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) here, the Perak state government is finding ways to come up with new tourist attractions, says Tan Kar Hing.

The Perak Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman said MAPS had been among the main attractions, and the closure would affect tourism in the state.

Tan said at the same time, the state government has plans to create new attractions in Ipoh, as well as outside of the city.

“For this year, we have several development projects lined-up, including Ipoh’s Light and Sound Show, which is expanded to complete by end of the year.

“This show will be held at Ipoh Padang, where the area will be decorated with beautiful lights that twinkle according to the sounds played in the background.

“We also have plans to open a digital library, and a few more projects that will be announced later, ” he told a press conference after announcing that state-level Chinese New Year celebrations would be held on Feb 6 at Eco Park 1 near here.

MAPS has been closed since Jan 28 until further notice.

The closure notice was issued by the receiver and manager of Animation Theme Park Sdn Bhd (ATP) from Ernst & Young.

MAPS was opened to the public in June 2017.

On the Chinese New Year celebration, Tan said some 10,000 people are expected to attend the carnival-like function from 6pm to 11pm.

When asked if the gathering would be affected due to the coronavirus outbreak, Tan said there were still no cases of human-to-human transmission in Malaysia, and the eight cases reported were tourists.

“We did ask for advice from the Health Ministry, as well as Gopeng MP Dr Lee Boon Chye, who is also the deputy Health Minister.

“Dr Lee told us that the ‘show must go on’. The celebration is held at his constituency, ” he added.

Tan said he was confident that monitoring activities taken by the ministry were under control.

“People should not start panicking after reading unverified sources on social media sites.

“Come for the event, as various traditional dance performances, clown and magic shows, wushu performances, calligraphy, origami, batik making, kolam exhibitions, as well as plenty of delicious food and drinks will be served, ” he added.

Tan said the area would be decorated with beautiful lanterns, and goodie bags would also be provided for visitors.