By Zaki Salleh
Photo: Balqis Jazimah Zahari
IPOH: The Perak state government today launched the Perak State Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040, both aimed at driving the state’s digital transformation agenda.
These two plans are aligned with the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030, focusing on digital technology empowerment and data-driven, innovative urban planning.
Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the goal is to make Perak a more efficient, sustainable, and prosperous state.
According to him, the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 centers around four main pillars:
“These include access to quality digital infrastructure, efficient digital public administration, a vibrant business ecosystem driven by digitalisation, and a digitally empowered society.
“A total of 21 programs have been identified, with five catalyst projects given priority.
“Among them are expanding digital access via the JENDELA initiative, developing Points-of-Presence (POP), deploying low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites for rural areas, strengthening cashless payment systems for small businesses, and establishing centers of excellence such as the Smart Perak Research and Innovation Centre (SPRIN) and the Ai Academy,” he said.
He made these remarks during the launch event held at Hotel Casuarina Meru Raya.
Saarani further explained that the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040 outlines seven core components, 22 policies, 52 strategies, and 132 phased initiatives aimed at achieving smart city development in the state by 2040.
He said the implementation of this blueprint will promote more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable urban growth, based on a People-Centric Smart City approach—urban development that prioritizes the needs and well-being of the people.
“Four local authorities—Ipoh City Council, Teluk Intan Municipal Council, Manjung Municipal Council, and Kampar District Council—have been identified as Early Adopters for the initial implementation of the smart city agenda in the state.
“The state government also targets that all local authorities will have their own Smart City Action Plans by 2025.
“Additionally, the state has established the Perak State Digital Economy Council (MEDi) and the Perak Smart City Steering Committee to ensure that the implementation of both plans is well-coordinated and delivers high impact,” he added.
