Perak Advances Tourism Infrastructure with 34 Projects Ahead of VM2026
Alexandra
Perak Rolls Out 34 Significant Tourism Projects for Visit Malaysia 2026
In a determined effort to prepare for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Perak has launched 34 tourism infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the state's appeal to both domestic and international visitors. These projects are a combined initiative involving local authorities, district offices, and multiple state agencies to rejuvenate and expand the tourism footprint.
Breakdown of Infrastructure Investments Across the State
The projects fall into three major categories designed to address different aspects of tourism experience and infrastructure across Perak:
- Age-Friendly City Development: Sixteen initiatives with an allocation of RM2 million focus on creating facilities aligned with the Age-Friendly City concept, making tourism experiences accessible and comfortable for visitors of all ages.
- Tourism Icon Upgrades: Seven projects valued at RM1 million target the enhancement of key tourism icons situated at strategic locations throughout the state, improving their attractiveness and visitor facilities.
- Rural Infrastructure Development: Eleven projects worth RM1 million committed to upgrading rural infrastructures situated in crucial tourist hotspots to better welcome and serve visitors.
Additional Budget Allocations and Festival Funding
Furthering these efforts, the state government has approved an additional RM2.6 million as part of the Perak Budget 2026. This funding will be directed to local authorities for:
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| Purpose | Allocation (RM) |
|---|---|
| Rural infrastructure development in tourism areas | 1,000,000 |
| Upgrading tourism icons and maintaining tourist sites | 1,000,000 |
| Enhancing signage and wayfinding infrastructure | 500,000 |
| Organizing the 2026 Panjut Festival | 100,000 |
Comprehensive Promotional Programs to Support Tourism Growth
The Perak government has dedicated RM18.67 million toward various tourism and cultural development initiatives. These programs emphasize:
- Promotional activities and event organization to raise Perak’s profile and attract diverse visitors
- Introduction of new tourism products and services to enrich visitor experiences
- Preserving and promoting cultural uniqueness and diversity
- Exploring new markets to widen the state’s tourism potential
Federal Contributions Boost Perak’s Tourism Facilities
Federal funding under Malaysia’s 13th Malaysia Plan supports two critical projects with a combined RM13.5 million:
- RM10 million allocated for upgrading tourism infrastructure at Teluk Dalam, Pulau Pangkor, a popular leisure destination in the Manjung district.
- RM3.5 million for developing ecotourism facilities at Lata Puteh in the Larut, Matang, and Selama district, aimed at enhancing natural attraction accessibility.
New Revenue Streams from Local Service Charges
By October 2025, Perak had collected RM5.8 million through local service charges (CPT), which serve as a new revenue source for sustaining tourism infrastructure and services. Empowering local authorities, efforts to enforce proper registration of tourism accommodation providers under the CPT are ongoing.
Visitor Targets and Challenges for 2026
Despite anticipated challenges, the state projects optimistic figures of 10.5 million domestic tourists and 1.1 million international visitors for 2026. These projections are grounded in current arrival trends and reflect a confident outlook for the campaign.
Historical Context of Infrastructure Development in Tourism
Tourism infrastructure plays a pivotal role in shaping visitor experiences and the overall growth of a destination. Physical elements such as roads, airports, hotels, recreational facilities, and signage collectively determine how tourists perceive and enjoy a location. In Perak's case, the focus on age-friendly facilities and rural infrastructure highlights a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
In the broader tourism landscape, infrastructure also encompasses legal and environmental frameworks, ensuring safety, security, and sustainable practices that today's travelers increasingly seek. The evolution of such frameworks supports the longevity of a destination’s tourism appeal while accommodating growing visitor diversity.
Significance for International Tourism and Future Prospects
Perak’s aggressive investment in tourism infrastructure exemplifies a strategic approach to captivating both domestic and international audiences. By focusing on cultural diversity, rural development, and accessibility, Perak positions itself as a versatile destination that caters to various traveler demographics, including families, seniors, and eco-tourists.
This comprehensive development aligns with global tourism trends emphasizing authentic cultural experiences, sustainable travel, and comfort. The projected visitor numbers suggest increasing competitiveness among Malaysian states for tourism revenue, with Perak likely to see expanded economic benefits.
How This Impacts Boating and Sailing Tourism
While the current projects center on terrestrial infrastructure, the improvements in areas like Pulau Pangkor and ecotourism hotspots may enhance opportunities for boating, sailing, and yachting activities. Coastal upgrades and rural access can enable more visitors to enjoy marinas, clear waters, and ocean adventures, fostering growth in the marine leisure sector.
Summary of Key Initiatives
| Initiative | Investment (RM million) | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Age-Friendly City Projects | 2.0 | Tourism facilities for all ages |
| Tourism Icon Upgrades | 1.0 | Enhancement of attraction sites |
| Rural Infrastructure Development | 1.0 | Access and amenities in key hotspots |
| Perak Budget 2026 Additional Funding | 2.6 | Local authority projects including signage and festivals |
| Federal Support | 13.5 | Teluk Dalam and Lata Puteh developments |
| Tourism and Cultural Programs | 18.67 | Promotions and new tourist products |
Conclusion
Perak’s diverse portfolio of tourism projects underscores a robust strategy ahead of the VM2026 campaign, targeting infrastructure enhancement, cultural promotion, and rural development. This holistic approach is essential for increasing tourist arrivals, sustaining growth, and expanding economic opportunities.
Given the focus on coastal regions and ecotourism facilities, these developments will inevitably benefit the marine tourism sector, including yachting and boating activities, by enhancing access to waterfronts, marinas, and water-based experiences. Visitors captivated by these improvements may find Perak a compelling destination for both land-based sightseeing and sea-bound adventures.
For those interested in exploring the waters of Perak and beyond, GetBoat.com offers a comprehensive international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts tailored to every taste and budget, making it a perfect complement to the evolving tourism landscape in regions like Perak.
