Perak Implements 34 Tourism Projects Ahead of VM2026 - Exco

IPOH, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- A total of 34 state tourism infrastructure development projects have been implemented as part of early preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said the projects were undertaken with the involvement of local authorities (PBTs), district and land offices and various state agencies.

The projects comprise 16 initiatives worth RM2 million to develop tourism facilities in line with the Age-Friendly City concept; seven projects amounting to RM1 million to upgrade tourism icons at strategic locations statewide; and 11 rural infrastructure development projects valued at RM1 million in key tourist hotspots.

“In addition, the state government has approved RM2.6 million for infrastructure projects under the Perak Budget 2026, to be channelled to local authorities,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Enactment Bill 2026 at the Perak State Assembly sitting here today.

He said the allocation includes RM1 million for rural infrastructure development in tourism areas, RM1 million for upgrading tourism icons and maintaining tourist sites; RM500,000 for improving enhancing signage and wayfinding infrastructure, and RM100,000 for organising the 2026 Panjut Festival.

Loh said that in conjunction with the announcement of VM2026, the Perak government has also responded to the promotional campaign by allocating RM18.67 million to implement various tourism and cultural development programmes and projects.

“This allocation covers the implementation of promotional activities and event organisation, the introduction of new tourism products and services, the strengthening of cultural uniqueness and diversity, as well as efforts to tap into new markets to further expand the potential of the state’s tourism sector,” he said.

“Our deep appreciation to the federal government for approving an allocation of RM13.5 million under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan for 2026 for two projects - RM10 million for upgrading tourism facilities in Teluk Dalam, Pulau Pangkor, in the Manjung district, and RM3.5 million for the development of ecotourism facilities and infrastructure in Lata Puteh, in the Larut, Matang and Selama district,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said that as of October 2025, a total of RM5.8 million had been collected under the local service charge (CPT), providing a new revenue stream for the state government.

“However, enforcement and verification efforts are still being carried out by local authorities to ensure that all tourism accommodation providers are properly registered under the CPT.

“The challenges ahead for the tourism sector in 2026 will be greater than those faced in 2024 and 2025. Nevertheless, the target of 10.5 million domestic tourists and 1.1 million international tourists for 2026 is a realistic projection based on current arrival trends,” he said.

The sitting continues tomorrow.

--BERNAMA