Ipoh: The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) will expand the Innovative Urban Lighting towards Sustainable Cities project known as ‘I Lite U’ to Ipoh City in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, with an allocation of RM2 million. Its Minister, Nga Kor Ming, announced that the project will be implemented through the allocation of RM1 million from KPKT, with a matching amount from the Ipoh City Council (MBI). This expansion follows the project’s launch in the federal capital last Wednesday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ipoh City Re-Lighting Programme aims to enhance Ipoh as a leading domestic tourism destination. Last year, the city attracted nearly 10 million domestic and foreign tourists, solidifying its position as a top destination. Nga Kor Ming highlighted that Ipoh is a popular weekend getaway, and based on MBI’s data, the city requires 13,000 hotel rooms to meet the growing tourist demand. Currently, there are only 8,000 rooms available, prompting a call for investors to develop more eco-friendly and sustainable hotels in the area.

During a media conference at the launch of the Boon Bak Park MADANI Recreational Park, Nga also mentioned the completion of a temporary market in Pasir Putih under the Sentuhan Kasih KPKT initiative. The market was rebuilt with an allocation of RM1.425 million after a fire last year. Nga announced a RM9 million KPKT Sentuhan Kasih special allocation for constructing a new Pasir Putih market. MBI, along with the Malaysian Institute of Architects, will organize a design competition to select the best design for the new market, aimed at making it a tourist attraction similar to Pasar Pinji, which is under construction and expected to be completed by 2027. The construction of the new Pasir Putih market is set to begin next year under the 13th Malaysia Plan.