By Anne Das
The upcoming transit-oriented development, Ipoh Sentral, will prioritise the local community’s needs in its first phase of development before starting on the commercial and logistics aspect of the project.
Following the instructions given by Transport Minister Anthony Loke in August 2025, developers Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) and Ipoh Sentral Sdn Bhd (IPSB) will ensure that the 6.31-acre recreational park will be developed first.
“In our first phase of development, we will link the community park and its network of mosques and temples, giving locals and visitors a recreational facility while experiencing Perak’s rich cultural and religious diversity in one destination,” said MRCB Corporation Communications Department in a statement.
As a mixed development focusing on transport, Ipoh Sentral will also ensure that daily commuters will save travel time with improved train and bus integration.
Students and workers in nearby towns can also enjoy better access to schools and jobs, while families will benefit from safer pedestrian, cycling and bus access – thus reducing the dependence on private cars.
Its seamless connectivity with KTM, commuting to Kuala Lumpur or Penang for work, also becomes a real possibility – opening new career options without the need to relocate.
“Upon completion, we envision that a local worker can ride the ETS daily from Kampar and connect easily to buses at Ipoh Sentral. A family from Penang can check into the hotel within Ipoh Sentral before heading to Lost World of Tambun,” said the statement.
At the same time, the developers have promised that Ipoh Sentral will enhance the lifestyle of the community while preserving the city’s heritage and historical beauty, over its 20-year phased implementation.
MRCB and IPSB will also conduct continuous active stakeholder engagement by working closely with government agencies, local councils, and community groups to address concerns early and effectively.
