IPOH: There are no plans at the moment to establish a second city in Perak after Ipoh, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Saarani said the state would instead focus on the Greater Ipoh initiative.
"We do not want to be overly ambitious in pursuing the idea of having two cities.
"It is better for us to develop this city as Greater Ipoh," he told reporters after launching the 38th Ipoh City Day celebration on Thursday (June 18).
He had been asked if Perak could see a second city in the future, since Ipoh attained that status 38 years ago.
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Also present were state housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng and Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah.
In his speech, Saarani said the anniversary celebration should not merely be viewed as a commemoration of the city’s age, but as an opportunity to assess Ipoh’s progress, understand current challenges and chart its direction under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda.
"Ultimately, our challenge is not only to develop a city.
"The greater challenge is to ensure that Ipoh remains a city with soul, one that is progressive in development but remains close to its people," he said.
As the state's capital city, Saarani said, Ipoh carries significant responsibilities as it often serves as the first impression of Perak for investors, tourists, businesses, students, civil servants and people from other districts.
He stressed that progress should not be measured solely by new buildings, busy roads or expanding commercial areas.
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"We do not want Ipoh to become a city that looks impressive but loses its character and identity.
"Instead, we want Ipoh to continue growing as a modern city without forgetting its history, progressing without leaving communities behind and developing without sacrificing the quality of life of its people," he added.
Saarani said the ongoing Ipoh Sentral project was among the initiatives aimed at strengthening urban mobility and improving connectivity, making the city more accessible, comfortable to live in and competitive as the state capital.
He said the state hoped that Ipoh would be recognised as a preferred destination for work, business, education, tourism and ultimately a place for people to settle and build their lives.
