Taiping set to become Perak’s air sports hub

Taiping is being positioned as Perak’s next major destination for air sports, with the state government linking the plan to wider efforts to keep visitors in the state for longer.

Loh Sze Yee, chairman of Perak’s tourism, industry, investment and corridor development committee, said Taiping’s natural landscape, tourism assets and potential for air-based recreation gave it strong prospects as a leading air sports destination. The plan could also bring more events, attract sports participants and open new economic opportunities for local communities.

Loh said the Larut, Matang and Selama district was gaining attention from both domestic and international tourists. The announcement came during Perak’s 2026 Merdeka Eve celebration in Bandar Meru Raya, attended by Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad and other state officials.

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With its natural landscape, tourism assets and potential for air-based recreational activities, the state government sees Taiping as having a great opportunity to be developed as a leading air sports destination.

The state is also promoting longer stays through Tourism Perak’s Perak Stay & Explore campaign, launched as part of Visit Malaysia 2026. It provides 2,000 vouchers worth RM40 each to tourists who stay at least one night in Perak. The vouchers can be used through registered travel agencies and tourism associations, hotels, tourism products and related operators, subject to the programme’s conditions.

The government wants visitors who arrive in Ipoh to continue to Kuala Kangsar, Taiping, Lenggong, Gopeng, Kuala Sepetang, Pangkor and other destinations. Loh said the aim was for tourists to eat local food, stay in hotels, buy local products and take part in tourism activities, so that the benefits reach businesses and communities across the state.

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We want them to enjoy local food, stay in hotels, buy local products, take part in tourism activities and bring home valuable experiences that make them want to return.