By Aida Aziz
IPOH: A total of 10 projects are being spearheaded by the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) to boost the tourism ecosystem in the state in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (TMM) 2026.
These include improvements to existing tourism products as well as restructuring operations to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
In a statement, PKNPk said that among the highlighted projects are Houseboat@Temenggor 1, Hotel Casuarina@Pangkor, Balai Gambang Cempaka Sari, Casuarina Hotel @ Meru and Casuarina Convention Centre, as well as the Sultan Azlan Shah Roundabout (BSAS).
Also included are Perak’s longest Ramadan Bazaar, the Traditional Malay House in Meru Raya, Tasik Cermin, Gua Tempurung, and Teluk Batik.
“To date, the PKNPk Group has allocated RM5.5 million to enhance major attractions in Perak.
“All initiatives are designed to ensure that state-owned assets resume functioning as drivers of local economic growth.
“Houseboat@Temenggor 1, which has been out of operation since July 2024 due to technical damage, is targeted to resume full operations by February 2026,” it said.
It added that Hotel Casuarina@Pangkor is currently undergoing large-scale rebranding with a temporary closure of the hotel.
This transformation includes the construction of Water Villas—overwater accommodation that will become a new icon for Pangkor Island, complementing the development of LuMIC and the gazetted Waterbody area.
In addition, Balai Gambang Cempaka Sari, an iconic royal cruise on the Perak River, is back in operation after undergoing restoration.
This not only revives the state’s heritage asset but also opens space for presenting cultural narratives, legends, and the history of the Perak River.
BSAS has also been upgraded with the installation of smart solar streetlights, which are now fully operational.
“BSAS remains a hub for community activities, including the hosting of Perak’s longest Ramadan Bazaar spanning 500 metres, providing business opportunities to over 100 local SMEs,” it said.
The Traditional Malay House in Meru Raya is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2026.
This heritage asset is currently being restored and will be revived as an entrepreneurship centre or local restaurant.
Through Majuperak Holdings Berhad, PKNPk continues to expand ecotourism development by managing several of the state’s most important assets, including Tasik Cermin.
“Majuperak will begin the full takeover of Gua Tempurung’s management in early 2026 as an important step towards modernising the state’s tourism assets.
“The number of visitors is targeted to increase from 10,000 to 25,000 per month within the first year.
“At Teluk Batik, the development of a modern resort with 29 accommodation units is being planned, and construction is expected to begin in mid-2026 to meet the high demand in Manjung,” it added.
