TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has reminded the developer of the proposed RM6.26 billion Ipoh Sentral mega project to complete the recreational park first ahead of other facets of its commercial element.
The park is an important green lung to the Perak capital, which is now growing in importance as a hub connector between the southern and northern regions.
Loke said that the developer - MRCB Bhd, who has completed other mega projects such as the KL Sentral and the Penang Sentral in Butterworth earlier, had indicated that it plans to complete the park within the next 12 - months.
"This was a condition set by the Perak government, who wanted Ipoh residents to experience the green lung before other projects take place," said Loke.
He was speaking at the launching of the Ipoh Sentral project by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last night.
"We want developers to prioritise the public first, which is our condition...we have to deliver the recreational park to the local community first before they can pursue profits even though this park brings no financial gain to the developer.
“What is the point of this development if the local people cannot enjoy it. For the people of Perak, especially those in Ipoh, I have set a condition for the developer, that within six to 12 months, we want to deliver the first phase of this recreational park to be open to the public. “So the developer must remember this as one of the key conditions."
Among those present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and MRCB Land chairman Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini.
Loke said the project, which is located adjacent to the Ipoh KTM train station, will be developed using the transit-oriented development (TOD) concept by integrating rail, bus, taxi and e-hailing services, and pedestrian and cycling lanes.
“This development concept is in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani and the National Transport Master Plan and supports the direction of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which makes TOD the key driver of urban growth.
“This approach promotes sustainable lifestyles, reduces traffic congestion, concentrates development around stations and transport hubs, and strengthens the role of public transport as one of the people’s main choices,” said Loke.
Meanwhile, the Haven developer chief executive officer Peter Chan hoped that more emphasis can be accorded to develop the potential of Ipoh as a tourism hub.
"It strategic location between two bustling hubs of the Klang Valley and Penang, makes it a perfect getaway for weekend sojourns.
“It is also a strategic as visitors to the city can access the city via roads, air and rail," said the Singapore - born Chan. - August 17, 2025.
