Silver state can still find its lustre


Much to love: Visitors taking a boat ride in a scenic lake at Gunung Lang Recreational Park. Its 260-million-year-old limestone hills make Ipoh a gem with beautiful natural surroundings. — Filepic/The Star

LET’S face the facts about Ipoh. Perak’s capital is still struggling to reinvent itself after having lost its shine following the collapse of the tin mining industry.

It didn’t help that the opening of the North-South Expressway in 1981 saw most people choosing to bypass Ipoh and drive straight north or south.

Subscribe now and receive free sooka plan for 1 month. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.

Next In Columnists

Beyond the 'cai dan': PKR members choose unity, performance
Oil-and-water scenario in Johor polls
Transparency key to building public confidence
Zafrul powers in right, but there’s a lot to be rung in
Nature’s cry for help
Operation Sindoor and the subcontinent's addiction to fire
Swan song for Rafizi
Many rulings, no smoking gun
One game, one chance: Who will make Europe?
Can the badminton eco-system be transformed under Zafrul?�

Others Also Read