BATU GAJAH: Perak is on track to unveil its latest tourism icon, ESCAPE Ipoh, with the state government targeting an influx of 200,000 visitors within the first year of its opening.
Situated next to the historic TT5 Dredge, ESCAPE Ipoh is poised to become a landmark in Batu Gajah and a key player in Perak's tourism sector.
Perak Chief Minister Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad announced that the natural inspiration park, sprawling over 140 acres, is set to fully open in April this year, aligning with the Visit Perak Year 2024.
"The opening will not only boost the local economy but also act as a catalyst for the tourism industry in Perak, especially around Batu Gajah," he said during a press conference following the launch.
Highlighting the strategic location of ESCAPE Ipoh near attractions such as Kellie's Castle, Silverlakes Village Outlet, Galeri LAT, Gua Tempurung, Taman Alam Kinta, PATRO, and The Treasure Taman Herba @Gopeng, Saarani emphasised its role in complementing the plan to make Greater Ipoh a top choice for tourists.
"The investment value in developing ESCAPE Ipoh is estimated at RM30 million.
"It is implemented through a collaboration between the state government-linked company, Menteri Besar Incorporated (Perak) as the site provider, and the private company," he said.
Saarani expressed confidence that ESCAPE Ipoh would create more job opportunities, with already 100 workers employed, and expects this number to increase once the park is officially open.
