The Timeless Heart of Perak — Tin, Taste, and Transformation
Kinta District, located in the central region of Perak State, is the most populous and economically active district in Perak. With Ipoh as its capital, Kinta is known for its colonial charm, tin mining heritage, culinary fame, and strategic urban development.
Formation and Historical Background
- Established: 19th century during the British colonial era
- Named after the Kinta River, the area rose to prominence in the late 1800s due to its rich tin deposits, attracting Chinese miners and British administrators
- Ipoh, the district capital, was once referred to as the “City of Millionaires” due to the immense wealth from tin mining
- Post-independence, Kinta evolved into a center of education, commerce, healthcare, and tourism
- It remains a vibrant district that merges British colonial architecture, Malay kampung heritage, and modern infrastructure
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Kinta District |
| State | Perak |
| District Capital | Ipoh |
| Area | Approx. 1,321 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 850,000 |
| Local Authority | Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (MBI) |
Administrative Subdivisions
Main areas within Kinta include:
- Ipoh City – Administrative and commercial hub
- Batu Gajah – Historical town, heritage sites
- Tanjung Rambutan – Suburb with health institutions
- Simpang Pulai – Southern access point, residential and industry
- Menglembu, Gunung Rapat, Tambun – Urban suburbs with cultural character
- Pusing & Lahat – Former mining towns, now industrial and residential areas
Government and Notable Figures
| Position / Role | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor of Ipoh (Datuk Bandar) | Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud | Head of Ipoh City Council (MBI) |
| District Officer (DO Kinta) | Tuan Haji Meor Hezbullah Meor Abd Malik | Oversees land and local administration |
| Member of Parliament (MP – Ipoh Timor) | YB Howard Lee Chuan How | Youth-focused leader |
| Member of Parliament (MP – Ipoh Barat) | YB M. Kulasegaran | Senior MP and human rights advocate |
| State Assemblymen (multiple ADUNs) | Include ADUNs for Canning, Pasir Pinji, etc. | Represent key city sectors |
| Notable Cultural Icon | Lat (Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid) | Legendary cartoonist from Batu Gajah |
Key Towns and Areas
- Ipoh City – Government offices, shopping malls, hospitals
- Tambun – Pomelo farms, Lost World of Tambun theme park
- Batu Gajah – Kellie’s Castle, train station heritage
- Gunung Rapat – Cave temples, biscuits industry
- Meru Raya – New township with transport terminals and federal offices
Economy & Livelihood
- Services and Commerce:
- Banking, hospitality, retail, food & beverage
- Light Manufacturing and Industry:
- Electrical goods, food processing, logistics
- Tourism & Heritage:
- Colonial trails, caves, hot springs, theme parks
- Education & Healthcare economy:
- Driven by private colleges, hospitals, and wellness centers
- Traditional trade in pomelo, salted chicken, white coffee, biscuits
Education & Institutions
- UTP (Seri Iskandar nearby)
- Premier public schools and private colleges
- Religious schools (madrasah, tahfiz)
- Polytechnic Ungku Omar, MARA College
- Vocational & hospitality training centers
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) – Major government hospital
- Private hospitals: KPJ Ipoh, Pantai Hospital, Hospital Fatimah
- Clinics, pharmacies, wellness & aesthetic centers
Transport & Connectivity
- Ipoh Railway Station – ETS high-speed link to KL & Penang
- Sultan Azlan Shah Airport – Domestic air travel
- Highways: PLUS Expressway, Jalan Gopeng, Jalan Tanjung Rambutan
- Local buses, taxis, and e-hailing widespread
Tourism & Attractions
- Kellie’s Castle, Ipoh Heritage Trail, Concubine Lane
- Gua Tempurung, Lost World of Tambun, Cave temples (Perak Tong, Kek Lok Tong)
- Ipoh Old Town White Coffee culture, Han Chin Pet Soo museum
- Gunung Lang Recreational Park, Kinta Riverfront Walk
- Art Murals, Night Markets, Traditional Biscuit Shops
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Strong mix of Chinese (Cantonese, Hakka), Malay, Indian communities
- Food heaven:
- Ipoh Hor Fun, Bean Sprout Chicken, Salted Chicken, Char Siew, Tau Fu Fah, Curry Mee, Nasi Ganja
- Celebrated traditions:
- Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, Hari Raya, Nine Emperor Gods Festival
- Music, theater, cartoon heritage, art galleries
Summary
Kinta District is the beating heart of Perak—where rich heritage meets urban progress. With its colonial past, culinary fame, modern connectivity, and vibrant multicultural life, Kinta (especially Ipoh) continues to shine as a modern Malaysian success story built on historic foundations.