BATU GAJAH: Perak has opened its doors to its latest tourism product at a former mining site in Tanjung Tualang near here, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
A private company, working jointly with Mentri Besar Incorporated (MB Inc), has launched an adventure-themed park known as the Nature Inspirational Park.
The Perak Mentri Besar said the presence of Escape Ipoh has injected a new and fresh breath to boost the tourism industry in this area.
“In fact, Escape Ipoh, which is a redevelopment on a brownfield site, is expected to increase the value of real estate and labour expertise as well as increase the variety of tourism products.
“This location was once the main tin mining site of Perak, and Perakians are proud to have been able to conserve one of the main attractions in Tanjung Tualang, which is the state’s symbol of economic fame, the TT5 Dredger.
“Next to the dredger is the TT5 Maze Park, which is the world's first heart-shaped maze park, and now the latest inspirational park,” he said in his speech at the launch of the park on Saturday (Feb 24).
Saarani added that the state government greatly appreciated the efforts of MB Inc to develop this former mining site into one of the tourism locations that is able to attract tourists from within and outside of the country.
He said in this context, in addition to playing a role in empowering the responsible mining agenda as outlined in the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan, MB Inc can play an active role in helping the state government develop the entire value chain including upstream and downstream industries as well as post-mining rehabilitation.
“I take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to MB Inc that has collaborated with a private company, Sim Leisure Group (SLG) to develop Escaoe Ipoh, which we believe will become another world-class tourism product in the state
“The state government through Tourism Perak has launched the Visit Perak Year 2024 campaign this year, and nature and historical heritage are the niche strengths for Perak's tourism sector.
“Thus I hope Escape Ipoh will become one of the new attractions for the families, corporate bodies, and the youth segment,” he added.
Saarani said he was informed that the opening of the park since February, is expected to attract 150,000 visitors a year.
He said this would indirectly boost the economy and become a catalyst for the speed of the tourism industry in the state, especially around the Batu Gajah area.
“Of course, the emergence of Escape Ipoh can also provide economic spillover to the surrounding residents at the surrounding areas, in addition to creating job opportunities and small businesses.
“Escape Ipoh is part of a series of efforts we are currently implementing to make the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan a reality.
“I want to ensure that Perak becomes a strong and competitive state in an increasingly challenging economic climate,” he said.
In a press conference later, Saarani said the state government had faith in the company that has over 300 theme parks developed worldwide.
“Despite the weakening of the Malaysian ringgit, we believe the tourism sector will not be affected.
“In fact, more tourists will come to Malaysia,” he added.