Perak, the second-largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Situated on the west coast of the peninsula, Perak shares borders with Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor, and the Strait of Malacca. The state capital is Ipoh, a city that has transformed from a quiet tin-mining town into a urban centre with a various food scene, colonial architecture, and growing property development.
Once the world’s richest tin-producing state, Perak’s economy and identity were shaped by mining, especially during the British colonial era. Today, the state is reinventing itself through tourism, education, manufacturing, and industrial development while preserving its unique character and charm. Perak appeals to retirees, nature lovers, families, and local investors looking for affordable property and a slower pace of life.
Geographical Advantage and Accessibility
Perak’s strategic location offers convenient access to both the northern and central regions of Malaysia. Major cities such as Ipoh, Taiping, and Teluk Intan are connected via key infrastructure like the North–South Expressway (PLUS) and West Coast Expressway (WCE), facilitating smooth travel to Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor.
Ipoh Railway Station is a central hub on the Electric Train Service (ETS) route, offering high-speed connections between Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth. This rail accessibility makes Perak an ideal location for intercity commuters and travelers. For air travel, Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH) in Ipoh offers domestic flights, including routes to Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Upcoming Infrastructure Projects
Perak is undergoing several infrastructure and economic development projects aimed at improving connectivity, employment, and regional growth:
- West Coast Expressway (WCE) - Once fully completed, this highway will enhance connectivity along the west coast, linking coastal towns in Perak to Selangor and Penang, reducing traffic on the PLUS Highway.
- Silver Valley Technology Park (SVTP) - Located in Kanthan, near Chemor, this industrial hub is positioned to attract investments in high-tech manufacturing, logistics, and green technology. It is part of the larger Perak Hi-Tech Park (PHTP) initiative.
- Ipoh Sentral Masterplan - A proposed integrated transit-oriented development (TOD) surrounding the Ipoh Railway Station area, aimed at transforming it into a modern commercial and lifestyle hub.
- Digital Perak Initiative - Supports SMEs, startups, and digital transformation projects to position Perak as a competitive state in the digital economy.
- Tourism Infrastructure Upgrades - Investments in eco-tourism zones, heritage conservation in Taiping and Kuala Kangsar, and new facilities in popular attractions like Gua Tempurung and Pulau Pangkor.
Demographics and Urban Growth
Perak has a population of approximately 2.5 million, making it one of the more populous states in Malaysia. The population is made up of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli (indigenous people), and a small number of expatriates and foreign workers. Ipoh is the largest urban centre, followed by other towns such as Taiping, Teluk Intan, Batu Gajah, Kuala Kangsar, and Lumut.
Urban growth is focused in and around Greater Ipoh, with increasing developments in Meru Raya, Chemor, Tambun, and Station 18. These areas are being developed with mixed-use townships, commercial centres, educational institutions, and medical facilities.
Property Market Overview
Perak offers some of the most affordable residential properties in Peninsular Malaysia. Its lower entry price, coupled with improving infrastructure and livability, makes it attractive to:
- First-time homebuyers
- Retirees seeking peaceful living
- Investors eyeing capital appreciation or rental yields
- Professionals relocating from Klang Valley or Penang
Popular areas for property in Perak include:
Notable developers active in Perak include Sunway Property, Taiping Bukit Jana Development, Taiko Management, and Andaman Group.
Economic Development and Employment
Historically reliant on tin mining, Perak’s economy is now driven by diversified sectors such as:
- Manufacturing
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Education
- Construction and real estate
Industrial parks like the Kanthan Industrial Zone, Silver Valley Technology Park (SVTP), and Lumut Maritime Industrial Park are attracting domestic and foreign investments, generating thousands of job opportunities.
Education Hub of Perak
Perak is fast emerging as an educational hub, particularly in the Kampar and Ipoh corridors. With several public and private higher learning institutions, the state has become a destination for both local and international students.
Top universities and colleges in Perak include:
- Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kampar
- Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Seri Iskandar
- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Tanjung Malim
- Quest International University (QIU), Ipoh
- Perak Royal Medical College (part of RCSI & UCD Malaysia)
- Sunway College Ipoh
- Kolej Komuniti and Politeknik Ungku Omar
These institutions offer programs in engineering, business, medical sciences, and more, supporting Perak’s knowledge economy and local job creation.
Healthcare Services
Perak’s healthcare system comprises public hospitals, private medical centres, and specialist clinics that serve both urban and rural communities. Ipoh is the main medical hub, offering a high concentration of health facilities.
Major healthcare facilities in Perak:
- Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) – The main government hospital in Ipoh.
- KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital
- Pantai Hospital Ipoh
- Columbia Asia Hospital Taiping
- Lumut Naval Base Hospital
Perak is also promoting medical tourism, particularly among Indonesian patients who visit Ipoh and Taiping for specialist treatments.
Tourism and Attractions
Tourism is one of Perak’s strongest sectors, driven by its diverse offerings with historical towns, limestone hills, island getaways, and ecotourism. The state welcomes millions of local and foreign visitors every year.
Top Tourist Attractions
- Pulau Pangkor – A popular beach island with duty-free status from 2020.
- Ipoh Old Town
- Kellie’s Castle
- Gua Tempurung.
- Taiping Lake Gardens
- Bukit Merah Laketown Resort
- Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar
- Belum-Temengor Rainforest
Tourism in Perak is supported by heritage conservation programs, upgraded transportation, and improved digital marketing by Tourism Perak and local councils.
