IPOH: The Ipoh City Council (MBI) is set to resurface 400 roads in residential areas following a RM20mil allocation that places Ipoh at the top, for funding given to local authorities nationwide, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the funding, approved by the Prime Minister at the end of the year, would cover roads in the parliamentary constituencies of Tambun, Gopeng, Ipoh Barat, Ipoh Timur and Batu Gajah, all of which comes under MBI’s maintenance jurisdiction.
He said large scale resurfacing works are expected to begin soon and will be completed by Hari Raya Aidilfitri (in March 2026).
“Under the leadership of the Mayor, the council will ensure that contractors are selected based on competitive cost-benefit analyses, prioritising quality work.
“This initiative is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance the living environment for residents.
“After completion of the full resurfacing – rather than patch-up – most residential areas involved will have a fresh new look,” he told reporters after visiting Taman Canning market here yesterday.
Nga said everyone is aware that there is usually no more allocations by December as government accounts would have already closed.
He said over the past six decades, there has never been an announcement made at the end of December.
“However, the RM20mil allocation was approved following cost-saving measures implemented by the ministry after it demonstrated its ability to deliver projects efficiently,” he said.
On another matter, Nga said 216 parks have been completed nationwide within just two years under the Taman Rekreasi Madani initiative.
He said in Perak, 34 parks have been completed, and the ministry has allocated RM1mil for the construction of the 35th park next to the market here.
Asked if the ministry would exceed the target of developing 100 parks next year, Nga said that depended on needs and allocation.
“I am confident that with the strong performance and cooperation of the local governments, and the National Landscape Department, we would exceed the target again next year.
He also said that Oscar winning actress, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, will attend the launch ceremony at Kuala Lumpur’s Jalan Bukit Bintang on Jan 3 in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
Nga added that Yeoh will attend the event together with her husband Jean Todt.
He said the lighting-up ceremony, jointly organised by his ministry, Tourism Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, is expected to enhance the capital’s appeal as a major tourism and entertainment hub.
“The event will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and will be broadcast live on RTM.
“It will also feature the inaugural Bukit Bintang Parade – a Disneyland-style procession involving 20 contingents, and performances by popular singer Faizal Tahir, interactions with Abang Sado Bomba, as well as fireworks and cultural performances by Istana Budaya.
“The initiative is part of preparations for VM2026, with Tourism Malaysia targeting 45 million tourist arrivals next year.”
