Page 31 - The Guide To Malaysia 9th Edition

THE GUIDE TO MALAYSIA 27 Malaysia Maps
Perak Darul Ridzuan
(Perak, The Abode of Grace)
administers and implements policy.
Major Economic Activities
Perak was the world’s biggest tin producer until the 1970’s. Its economy has since diversified and manufacturing activities are now centred on the maritime, automotive and defenceindustries. Labuan
Perak has benefited from
plentiful natural resources
to develop its agricultural
sector, including paddy
farming, fruit farming
(particularly pomelo),
groundnuts, rubber and
PERAK
Historical Background
Archeological findings
such as the “Perak Man”
in Lenggong indicate that Perak was inhabited since prehistoric times. Perak’s modern history began when Sultan Muzaffar Shah, the eldest son (and later successor) of the Sultan of Melaka established his own rule on the banks of the Perak River in the mid-15th Century.
Perak rose in prominence when Long Jaafar discovered tin in Larut in 1848. Mining areas were opened up and related infrastructure built, making Perak one of the most developed states at that time. Perak joined the
agro-forestry. With its many jungles, hills, waterfalls
and rivers, as well as the world-famous beaches of Pangkor Island, Perak is also a popular eco-tourism destination.
Main Industrial Areas
Perak’s focal business areas are Ipoh, Seri Iskandar, Tanjung Malim, Gerik, Kuala Kangsar, Parit Buntar, Telok Intan, Seri Manjung and Taiping. Major industries include electrical and electronics, basic metal products, automobiles, resource-based industries and maritime industries. A new growth corridor, the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), (see page 369) is being developed in the north of the state. A 132km West Coast Expressway will also
be implemented to connect Hutan Melintang, Teluk Intan and Changkat Jering, Taiping.
Population: 2.51 million Area: 20,998sq km
State Capital: Ipoh
State Website: perak.gov.my
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Ipoh.
By Road: The North-South Expressway runs from Kedah in the North through Perak to Johor in the South.
By Rail: Malaysian Railway (KTM) Intercity North-South Line stations are in Taiping, Ipoh, Tapah & Tanjung Malim.
By Sea: Lumut (home of the Royal Malaysian Navy) is the ferry terminal for Pangkor Island, which has two public ferry jetties.
Federated Malay States in 1895, gained independence via the Federation of Malaya in 1957, and later joined Malaysia in 1963.
State Government
The Head of State is
the Sultan, currently
HRH Sultan Dr Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah (2014
- present). The State Legislative Assembly is
the elected legislature. The State Executive Council (EXCO or state cabinet) acts as the executive, headed by the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister, usually leader of the majority party or coalition). A professional Civil Service (under the State Secretary)
palm oil, aquaculture and
SARAWAK