IPOH: Ipoh is set to become a low carbon and walkable city by 2030, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said.
Saarani said local authorities such as Ipoh City Council (MBI), which has authority in town planning, needed to have a specific plan in formulating future development.
"Cooperation with other government agencies needs to be synergized so that urban planning takes into account the concept of sustainable development.
"I appreciate MBI's commitment which is currently in the phase to begin the implementation of Ipoh Towards a Low Carbon City and Walkable City 2030 which are both components of the MBI Strategic Planning Plan.
"The main goal of this initiative is to reduce the intensity of carbon emissions nationwide in line with the government's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by 2030," he said.
Saarani said this at his opening speech at the launch of Ipoh City Council (MBI) Strategic Planning, Ipoh Low Carbon City and Walkable City 2030 at Kinta Riverfront Hotel here today.
On the walkable city, Saarani said it was provided for in the special area of Ipoh Town, in line with the Heritage Tourism City, where there are various old shophouses, heritage buildings, and several back lanes such as Lorong Panglima, Market Lane, and Lorong Hale which have been turned into pedestrian and cycling lanes to achieve carbon-neutral status.
"The objective of this action plan is to improve the surrounding area by providing conducive, adequate, and sustainable pedestrian and bicycle path facilities to increase accessibility and alternative mobility to the local community.
"It also preserves the value of the city's heritage while supporting the growth of environmentally conscious development, green technology, and low carbon to enhance the added value and resilience of the city.
"In addition, it revitalizes Ipoh City by boosting economic activities and increasing community interaction with the environment," he said.
At the event, Saarani also announced that the slogan "Ipoh Bestari Sejahtera" to replace "Ipoh Bersih Hijau dan Maju" in line with the Perak Sejahtera Development Plan 2030 which is 'Perak Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera'.