Malaysia's housing minister announced plans on Monday to bring enhanced street illumination technology to Ipoh before the 2026 tourism campaign begins, committing two million ringgit to the effort. Nga Kor Ming said his ministry will provide half the funding while Ipoh City Council matches the amount for what officials call the I Lite U initiative, which debuted in the capital region days earlier.
The minister highlighted that nearly 10 million visitors traveled to the city during the previous year, establishing it as a leading destination for Malaysian travelers. Current accommodation options total 8,000 hotel rooms against demand for 13,000, he said at a recreational park dedication ceremony, encouraging property developers to build environmentally conscious lodging facilities.
Separately, Nga revealed nine million ringgit approved for replacing the Pasir Putih market after flames destroyed the original structure. He said temporary facilities serving vendors cost 1.425 million ringgit and that authorities will organize an architectural competition with the Malaysian Institute of Architects to select designs for the permanent replacement. Construction will start during the coming year under national development planning, with officials hoping the rebuilt market attracts tourists similar to the Pasar Pinji project, expected to finish by 2027.
The minister highlighted that nearly 10 million visitors traveled to the city during the previous year, establishing it as a leading destination for Malaysian travelers. Current accommodation options total 8,000 hotel rooms against demand for 13,000, he said at a recreational park dedication ceremony, encouraging property developers to build environmentally conscious lodging facilities.
Separately, Nga revealed nine million ringgit approved for replacing the Pasir Putih market after flames destroyed the original structure. He said temporary facilities serving vendors cost 1.425 million ringgit and that authorities will organize an architectural competition with the Malaysian Institute of Architects to select designs for the permanent replacement. Construction will start during the coming year under national development planning, with officials hoping the rebuilt market attracts tourists similar to the Pasar Pinji project, expected to finish by 2027.
