KUALA KANGSAR (Bernama): The royal town of Kuala Kangsar has been proposed to be gazetted as a national heritage to uphold and recognise the heritage of Istana Bukit Chandan.

       Perak Housing, Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi (pic) said her team had a discussion with the National Heritage Department over the proposal.

       "After resolving the national heritage issue, we will seek for Kuala Kangsar to be nominated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Site," she said after launching the Publicity and Public Participation Programme for the 2021 World Town Planning Day celebration at the Perak Jubilee Hall, here, Thursday (Nov 11).

       She said the effort is being done to uphold and recognise the heritage of Istana Bukit Chandan as a "High Value Heritage Site".

       She said this was one of the key projects to be presented in the Kuala Kangsar District Local Plan 2035 Draft (Replacement) apart from the Sauk-Chenderoh Tourism Centre and Sayong Creative Centre as well as the construction of the New North-South Expressway exit ramp and improving intercity connectivity.

       Bukit Chandan is an area famous for the official palace of the Sultan of Perak, Istana Iskandariah, as well as the Royal Perak Museum (Kuala Kangsar), Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery and Ubudiah Mosque.

       In another development, Nolee Ashilin said the arrival of tourists to the state was encouraging, especially in Pangkor Island, where although there was a fluctuating trend of Covid-19 cases, it has not affected tourism activities in Perak.

       She said entrepreneurs and industry players were relieved with the revival of tourism activities in Pangkor Island, Kuala Kangsar and Ipoh adding that hotel bookings in some places have reached almost 97%.

       Earlier, Nolee Ashilin, who represented Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad at the launch, said the state government wanted to ensure orderly planning in districts such as Kuala Kangsar to be highly resilient to disaster risk, economic crisis and food crisis.

       The focus of planning should emphasise the need for society to continue to live in harmony by adopting a culture of healthy living, having employment opportunities, improving living standards, the development of a knowledgeable society so that they will continue to contribute to the country.

       "I believe the programme that starts today until Dec 10 will provide an opportunity for the public to jointly plan the development of this district that maintains a conducive environment and an inclusive society," she added. -Bernama