Why Perak?
The name ‘Perak’, which means silver in the Malay language, was derived from the glittering tin ore found in abundance in this region of the country. The State capital is Ipoh, which was once a tin-rich mining town but has now become a thriving city and the fourth largest in Malaysia. Ipoh is located almost equidistant between Penang and Kuala Lumpur, and is accessible by air, road and rail. Perak consists of 9 districts as depicted below:

Economy
Today, Perak has shifted from being a busy tin based economy to a diverse agricultural, manufacturing and services related state. Agriculture is one of Perak’s main industries, especially in terms of rubber, coconut and palm oil. Tourism is fast catching on as more and more people discover Perak’s hidden gems in the form of natural ecological attractions and cultural diversity. The economy is growing in the industrial sector also where its sound infrastructure, central location and low costs of make it an ideal environment for businesses.

Demographics
The state of Perak is Peninsular Malaysia’s second largest with an area of 21,000 sq. km and stretches from the Thai border in the north to the Selangor State border in the south. Temperature is fairly constant, ranging from 23°C to 33°C, with humidity over 80 percent. Annual rainfall is about 3,200 mm.

Perak’s population is around 2.3 million, made up principally of Malay (44%), Chinese (42%), Indian (12%), Other (1%), Other Bumiputra (1%).

Lifestyle
Perak is made up of nine districts, with Ipoh as the capital city. Major shopping complexes provide access to a wide range of both local and imported products while Malaysian’s own ‘pasar malam’ or night markets offer a unique shopping experience . Perak is recognised throughout Malaysia as a paradise for food lovers due to the diverse ethnic communities located in the State.

Transport Infrastructure
High quality road links service Perak State with the national North-South Highway passing through the length of the State. Electrified, double tracked rail extends from Ipoh to the nation's capital at Kuala Lumpur and the principal maritime gateway at Port Kelang. Air services utilise the Sultan Azlan Sha airport at Ipoh.

Energy, Water & Communications
Reliable electricity and water supplies are available throughout the State and Ipoh stands on the national terabit backbone providing high speed international communications and internet connections.