IPOH: Sunway City Ipoh in Tambun will receive a further RM4bil in gross development value (GDV) from the Sunway Group.
The investment is meant to develop a hospital, an education hub, a hotel and a convention centre at the integrated township in the next 10 to 15 years.
Its founder and chairman Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah said the township was currently worth about RM2bil in GDV.
"As a proud son of Perak, I am honoured to play a role in developing this piece of land and contribute towards the Eastern Development Corridor of Ipoh.
"Sunway will continue to be a strong and long-term partner of the state government," he said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sunway Ipoh Mall project by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad at Sunway Onsen Suites here on Thursday (Aug 1).
"As the catalyst of growth for the Eastern Development Corridor of Ipoh, the township will lead the creation of more local employment opportunities and the potential of generating significant economic spillover impact for Ipoh," he added.
Cheah said the Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh is on track to be open and fully operational by early 2025.
The hospital, he said, has more than 200 beds to cater to Ipoh's growing population and increasing demand for quality healthcare.
"It will also elevate the medical tourism sector in the northern region of Malaysia," he said.
Separately, Cheah said the 30-odd traffic lights along the Ipoh-Lumut road should be removed and to have roads to allow cars to make U-turns.
He said this would shorten the journey between Ipoh and Lumut.
At a separate press conference, Saarani said Cheah's suggestion was a good idea but the matter would need to be discussed with the Public Works Department, as the federal route was under the jurisdiction of the Transport Ministry.
“I will make a proposal to the ministry.
“Is a good idea to have fewer traffic lights,” he said after launching the Perak Books Bazaar at the Ipoh Convention Centre on Thursday (Aug 1)
