Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad’s arrival being greeted by guests.

IPOH, 4 June 2025 – The digital economy sector is expected to contribute up to RM4.2 billion to Perak's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, following the launch of two strategic documents - the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040.

The documents, launched simultaneously, are formulated to accelerate the state's digital transformation and strengthen Perak's position as an inclusive, efficient and highly competitive smart state. It also aims to create between 3,000 and 6,000 new job opportunities and assist in the digitalisation of over 18,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Perak Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad said the plan is not merely a policy document but a comprehensive action plan that introduces a new approach to state development via technology, innovation and public involvement.

"We do not want to be left behind. The digital economy currently contributes RM12 billion to the state economy, and that figure will continue to increase if we implement it in an integrated manner," he said at the launch of the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040 at Hotel Casuarina@Meru here.

The Perak Digital Economy Plan 2030 focuses on developing digital infrastructure, digitalisation of public administration, strengthening business ecosystem, and empowering society. The identified catalyst projects are expanding digital access in rural areas via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, developing cashless payment systems, and establishing centres of excellence, such as the AI Academy and SPRIN (Smart Perak Research and Innovation Centre).

Meanwhile, Dato' Seri Saarani said the Perak Smart City Blueprint 2040 will serve as the main reference document to ensure that smart city development is implemented in a planned and comprehensive manner.

He stated that the blueprint encompasses seven key components: Smart Digital Infrastructure, Smart Governance, Smart Economy, Smart People, Smart Environment, Smart Mobility, and Smart Living.

"This document contains 22 policies, 52 strategies, and 132 initiatives, with phased implementation starting this year until 2040. The approach adopted is also people-centric, prioritising the needs and well-being of the people," he elaborated.

He also congratulated four local authorities (PBT) that have successfully achieved Early Adopter status in implementing the smart city agenda, namely Ipoh City Council, Teluk Intan Municipal Council, Manjung Municipal Council and Kampar District Council.

He added that among the smart initiatives being implemented is the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) prototype system by PLANMalaysia Perak, known as Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya. (Mr. Town Planner), aimed at accelerating and streamlining the delivery of urban planning information more accurately and user-friendly.

Meanwhile, Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) CEO Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak in his welcome speech, emphasised that the implementation of both plans is also supported by strategic projects, such as the development of Silver Valley Technology Park (SVTP), Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC), and Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim.

“This is not just physical development but a comprehensive movement to build a holistic and resilient digital ecosystem,” he said.

The implementation of these plans will be coordinated through the establishment of the Perak Digital Economy Council (MEDi), which will monitor implementation, guarantee policy coordination, and ensure the benefits are felt by all the people of Perak.

Also present were Perak State Assembly Speaker Dato' Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid, State Secretary Dato' Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, State Legal Advisor Dato' Azmir Shah Zainal Abidin, State Financial Officer Dato' Mohd Zaki Mahyudin, and State Executive Council Members.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.