By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH – The state of Perak recorded significant progress in 2025, successfully stabilising its economy, attracting high‑impact investments and laying out strategic plans to confront challenges in the coming year.
Perak Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad said 2025 was a year of hard work and a demonstration of the state’s bold approach to implementing reforms under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan.
He said following the COVID‑19 pandemic, the state government acted swiftly to revitalise all economic sectors and streamline governance, leading to steady growth in the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Perak had previously faced a substantial deficit of RM78 million and difficult conditions that impacted employment opportunities for its people. However, Saarani said the situation has since improved, with Perak successfully rebuilding economic confidence.
The state government continued to open up job opportunities through strategic investments, with major projects underway, including the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC) in Manjung, and the Perak Halal Industrial Park (HIP) in Lekir.
Also in development are the Silver Valley Technology Park (SVTP) in Kanthan and the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) in Kerian, which are expected to bring widespread benefits to the community.
Saarani said the state’s efforts have been recognised by the federal government, with most of these projects included in the 2026 Budget and the 13th Malaysia Plan, reflecting confidence in Perak’s plans.
He added that political and economic stability had enabled better financial management, allowing Perak to record three consecutive years of budget surpluses and is expected to achieve another surplus in 2025.
The Menteri Besar also praised the spirit of the people of Perak, noting that their contribution — from civil servants to entrepreneurs, youths and communities across the state — had been key to the state’s progress.
Saarani urged the people, especially the younger generation, to continue strengthening competitiveness, explore new economic opportunities and adapt to future technological advancements to ensure Perak remains relevant and prosperous.
In a related development, he reminded that 2026 will be the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY 2026), and Perak must seize the opportunity to bolster its tourism sector.
The state government has allocated RM18.67 million for tourism and cultural programmes and projects in 2026, including ongoing promotion by Tourism Perak, heritage preservation and development of museums.
Saarani said the introduction of direct flights between Ipoh and Singapore is expected to open up wider international markets and reinforce Ipoh’s role as a strategic gateway to the state.
He called on all segments of society, including local communities and tourism industry players, to act as Perak ambassadors throughout Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and deliver memorable experiences to visitors.
