GOPENG: Perak is introducing more tourism products to attract local and international tourists in a bid to boost its economy.

       State housing, local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi said among the latest tourist locations included Cengkerik Eco Park which provides various interesting activities.

       “The activities offered by the operators are kayaking, all-terrain vehicles activities, petting zoo and also activities for children such as digital library,” she told a press conference after officiating a Stray Cat Festival in Herbal Garden yesterday.

       Nolee Ashilin said Cengkerik Eco Park located in the Herbal Garden was an icon that added value to tourism activities in Gopeng, especially in the Kinta Valley Geopark.

       When asked about the development of the tourism sector in the state following cases of the Omicron variant in the country, she said they considered all aspects to ensure public safety.

       “A course on strengthening compliance with standard operating procedure was also organised for tour operators so it is hoped that it can be continued to prevent the spread of the disease,” she said.Earlier, Nolee Ashilin said the Stray Cat Festival held by Meow Food Truck was an initiative that should be continued to protect the fate of stray cats and further improve the local ecosystem.

       “Various activities have been organised such as disabled cat competitions, decorated cats, unique cats and the fastest eating cats involving stray cats but it would be better if we could take better care of these stray cats.

       “I will give my full support to the Meow Food Truck to continue to run related programmes in raising public awareness on stray cats,” she said.

       She said in the wake of the pandemic and floods, stray cat rescuers were expected to maximise and expand collaborative efforts with relevant agencies to help and defend the plight of stray cats on a larger scale. — Bernama