Ipoh: The Ipoh Sentral project, a transit-oriented development (TOD) covering an area of 27.11 hectares, is set to commence in six months. The first phase will focus on landscaping, enhancements, and preservation of heritage and cultural elements.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the first phase of the project is expected to take two years, beginning with obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities. He emphasized that places of worship will be enhanced, historical elements preserved, and a new mosque built in the area.

Loke made these remarks after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between Ipoh Sentral Sdn Bhd (ISSB) and Country Annexe Sdn Bhd (CASB), a subsidiary of Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB). MRCB Group managing director Datuk Imran Salim and ISSB chief executive officer Firdaus Effendy Mokhtar signed the MoA on behalf of their respective companies.

The project is a collaboration between the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC), the Perak government, and MRCB, aiming to transform Ipoh's urban landscape by integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. It seeks to create a sustainable and connected environment.

Loke highlighted that Ipoh Sentral, located next to Ipoh KTM Station, has the potential to reshape the city, making it more efficient and people-friendly. With a gross development value (GDV) of RM6.26 billion, the project is expected to benefit both local and national economies.

The second phase of the project, implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, will feature a mixed development of serviced apartments, office and commercial spaces, a hotel, and community facilities. This phase is expected to take 20 years to complete and aims to reduce road congestion, enhance public transport usage, and contribute to lower carbon emissions, aligning with the country's sustainable development goals and global climate change agenda.