The RM6.26 billion Ipoh Sentral project is set to transform Ipoh’s landscape over the next 20 years. This development aims to integrate public transport with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces on a 27.1-hectare site near the historic Ipoh Railway Station. The project will be executed in two phases: the first focusing on landscaping and heritage preservation, and the second on mixed-use developments.
Dr. Richard Ng, president of NGO Ipoh City Watch, has raised concerns about potential challenges, including prolonged construction disrupting residents’ daily lives, the need for improved public transport systems like light rail transit (LRT) or autonomous rapid transit (ART) to reduce carbon emissions, and the importance of preserving heritage buildings within the development area.
Authorities have assured that existing places of worship will be preserved and enhanced, and that the Ipoh Railway Station will remain unaffected by the project.
The Ipoh Sentral project is a collaboration between the Railway Asset Corporation (RAC), the Perak government, and private sector partners like Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB). It is expected to bring significant economic benefits to both the local and national economies.
As the project progresses, stakeholders emphasize the importance of careful planning, community engagement, and transparency to ensure that the development meets the needs and expectations of the community while preserving Ipoh’s unique heritage.