IPOH CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD: 38 YEARS AS A CITY, 133 YEARS OF SHAPING LOCAL ADMINISTRATION

IPOH, 18 JUNE 2026 – From a small administrative centre that developed alongside the history of tin mining, Ipoh today stands as a heritage city that continues to progress, is competitive and remains close to the hearts of the people. 

This spirit was reflected through the Ipoh City’s 38th Anniversary Celebration Launch Ceremony, held in a lively atmosphere at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC) today, as a symbol of appreciation for Ipoh’s long journey in building its identity, progress and the wellbeing of its residents. 

The meaningful event was officiated by Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, marking the beginning of the city’s anniversary celebration that brings new aspirations to all residents of Ipoh. 

Also present were State Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abd. Rahim, State Legal Adviser Dato’ Azmir Shah Zainal Abidin, State Housing and Local Government Committee Chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah, Perak State Government leadership, heads of departments, councillors, media representatives and staff of the Ipoh City Council (MBI).

This year’s celebration carries the theme “Uplifting Aspirations, A Smart City”, in line with the direction of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, which emphasises sustainable, inclusive and dynamic socio-economic development for the wellbeing of the people. 

According to the Ipoh Mayor, the theme is not just a celebration slogan, but rather reflects MBI’s commitment to continue advancing Ipoh as a city that is smart in managing progress, efficient in delivering services and always prioritises the needs of the people. 

“Uplifting Aspirations signifies a collective effort to translate the state agenda into benefits that can be felt by the people, while A Smart City requires wisdom in managing technology, resources and basic city services effectively,” he said. 

In his speech, the Perak Menteri Besar emphasised that a city’s anniversary is not just about age, but an important space to assess achievements, refine current challenges and set a new direction for Ipoh’s development under the framework of Perak Sejahtera 2030. 

He said that the progress of a city is not only measured by tall buildings, well-planned roads or physical development alone, but also by its ability to maintain its soul, identity and close ties with the community. 

“We do not want Ipoh to become a city that looks impressive to the eyes but loses its essence and identity. Instead, we want Ipoh to continue to grow as a modern city without forgetting its history, progress without leaving its community behind and develop without sacrificing the quality of life of the people,” he said. 

Ipoh’s long history began with the establishment of the Kinta Sanitary Board North in 1893, before being upgraded to the Ipoh Municipal Council on 31 May 1962. On 27 May 1988, HRH Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah proclaimed Ipoh as a city. 

Now, after 38 years as a city and 133 years of shaping local administration, Ipoh continues to grow as a heritage city, tourist destination, economic centre, cultural arena and a comfortable city to live in with over 880,000 residents. 

In line with this growth, MBI will continue to strengthen its “Back to Basic” approach as the core of local authority service delivery. The focus is on the basics that are closest to the people’s daily lives, including efficient waste management, road and drain maintenance, well-maintained landscaping, regular grass-cutting, functioning street lighting and public facilities that are clean, safe and user-friendly. 

The Menteri Besar also stressed that the success of a city often starts from things that seem small but have a big impact on the people, such as well-maintained roads, safe parks, clean public areas, a responsive complaint system, organised business spaces and efficient local authority services. 

At the same time, MBI is committed to ensuring that Ipoh’s modernisation does not erase the heritage values that are the city’s strength. The preservation of classic buildings, appreciation of history, cultural diversity of the community, uniqueness of food, old architecture and the beauty of nature will continue to be given attention as part of Ipoh’s identity. 

To empower the community, MBI will continue to expand programmes on residents’ wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, strengthening public spaces and community activities that can unite people from diverse backgrounds. 

In the tourism and economic sectors, Ipoh will continue to be positioned as a more organised, attractive and competitive destination by highlighting its strengths in heritage, food, architecture, nature, culture, music and local creativity. 

The recognition of Ipoh as a UNESCO Creative City of Music has also become a new catalyst for the development of the city’s creative ecosystem. The combination of music, arts, food, heritage, cafés, creative communities and local small businesses is seen as strengthening Ipoh’s appeal as a preferred tourism destination, thus opening up more economic opportunities for the local people. 

MBI will also continue to support traders, hawkers, local entrepreneurs and the business community so that the city’s economy remains vibrant, inclusive and provides direct benefits to the people through job opportunities, increased income and more resilient community growth. 

The Mayor said that Ipoh’s success over almost four decades as a city was not the result of the efforts of one party alone, but rather the result of close cooperation between the state government, implementing agencies, the business community, MBI staff and all city residents. 

“MBI cannot move alone. Every resident of Ipoh has a role in maintaining cleanliness, preserving public facilities, complying with regulations, supporting development efforts and providing constructive feedback,” he said. 

He also called upon MBI staff to use this anniversary celebration as an encouragement to renew their determination in providing services that are professional, integrity-based, disciplined and centred on the interests of the people. 

At the same time, the community was called upon to play their respective roles in building a better Ipoh. Traders need to keep their premises and business areas clean, residents need to care for their neighbourhoods, visitors need to respect the places they visit, building owners need to look after their premises, while government agencies need to ensure that services reach the people efficiently and effectively. 

MBI would like to express its highest appreciation to the Perak State Government, especially the Perak Menteri Besar, for its continued support towards the development of Ipoh as a city that is progressive, prosperous and close to the hearts of the people. 

The 38th Anniversary Celebration of Ipoh City is hoped to be a unifying point of spirit for the city residents to continue uplifting aspirations, strengthening services, preserving heritage, boosting the economy, empowering the community and together building a prosperous Smart City for all.