Ipoh: The Perak government is committed to enabling the transition of smart cities through Smart Financing, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. He emphasized the state's readiness to support cities not only in planning but also in implementation and financing.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state government aims to ensure that no city in Perak is left behind in the journey towards becoming smart cities. This will be achieved through clearer and more effective policies, targeted incentives, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Saarani highlighted the importance of strengthening financing capabilities as cities grow, pointing out that traditional funding methods will not suffice. Instead, innovative financial instruments such as public-private partnerships, municipal bonds, green climate funds, and blended finance solutions tailored to city realities must be embraced. His views were conveyed during the opening of the City Windows Series III event, with his speech read by state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching.

Ipoh is hosting the three-day 3rd City Windows Series: Smart Green ASEAN Cities, a regional programme in collaboration with the European Union (EU), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and an initiative of Smart Green ASEAN Cities (SGAC). The event gathers representatives from major cities throughout ASEAN to exchange views and share strategies and best practices in developing smart green cities.

Saarani also reaffirmed Perak's commitment to sustainable development as outlined in the Perak Sejahtera 2030 blueprint. This initiative promises to empower citizens, protect the environment, and transform cities into engines of innovation and growth. He emphasized Ipoh's central role in this transformation, noting its evolution from a city known for its tin heritage to a model of resilient, smart, and green urban living. Saarani stressed that in Ipoh, development will not come at the expense of the environment or social cohesion.