Land of Grace, Royal Heritage, and Natural Splendor
Perak Darul Ridzuan, located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is a state rich in royal tradition, tin mining legacy, Islamic scholarship, and eco-tourism. It borders Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor, and the Strait of Malacca—making it strategically and culturally significant.
Formation and Historical Background
- Founded: 16th century as a Malay Sultanate, ruled by descendants of the Malacca Sultanate
- Name “Perak” means “silver”, believed to refer to the shiny tin ore found in its rivers
- Was one of the world’s largest tin producers during the British era
- Treaty of Pangkor (1874) marked the start of British political control through Resident System
- Maintains a strong constitutional monarchy with the Sultan of Perak playing a prominent ceremonial role
- Ipoh, once a tin boomtown, is now the capital and commercial center of the state
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State Name | Perak Darul Ridzuan |
| Capital City | Ipoh |
| Royal Capital | Kuala Kangsar |
| Area | Approx. 21,035 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 2.6 million |
| Official Language | Bahasa Malaysia |
| Time Zone | MYT (UTC+8) |
Government and Notable Figures
| Position | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Sultan of Perak | Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah | 35th Sultan of Perak, respected intellectual |
| Raja Permaisuri of Perak | Tuanku Zara Salim | Royal consort with legal and royal background |
| Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) | YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad | Head of state government |
| State Secretary | YBhg. Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim | Senior civil servant |
| Mufti of Perak | Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Harussani Zakaria (until 2021), successor updated officially | |
| Police Chief (CPO Perak) | CP Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri | State police commissioner |
Administrative Divisions
Perak is divided into 12 districts:
- Kinta District – Capital: Ipoh
- Larut, Matang & Selama District – Capital: Taiping
- Manjung District – Capital: Seri Manjung
- Hilir Perak District – Capital: Teluk Intan
- Kerian District – Capital: Parit Buntar
- Kuala Kangsar District – Royal Capital
- Batang Padang District – Capital: Tapah
- Perak Tengah District – Capital: Seri Iskandar
- Kampar District – Capital: Kampar
- Muallim District – Capital: Tanjung Malim
- Bagan Datuk District – Capital: Bagan Datuk
- Lenggong (often grouped under Hulu Perak) – UNESCO Archaeological site
Economy
- Historically driven by tin mining, now diversified into:
- Agriculture – oil palm, rubber, fruits, fisheries
- Manufacturing – electronics, food processing
- Tourism – heritage, religious, eco-tourism
- Education & medical tourism (e.g. Ipoh hospitals, UTAR Kampar)
Education & Institutions
- Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
- Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
- Sultan Azlan Shah University (USAS)
- Polytechnics, Islamic colleges, MARA institutions
Healthcare
- Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (Ipoh)
- Specialist hospitals in Taiping, Teluk Intan, Seri Manjung
- Government clinics and private medical centers throughout the state
Tourism & Attractions
- Kellie’s Castle, Ipoh Old Town, Concubine Lane
- Royal Museum Kuala Kangsar, Ubudiah Mosque
- Gua Tempurung, Lata Kinjang Waterfall, Belum Rainforest
- Taiping Zoo & Lake Gardens, Teluk Intan Leaning Tower
- Pangkor Island – Beaches and fishing villages
- Lenggong Valley – UNESCO World Heritage Archaeological Site
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Strong mix of Malay, Chinese (Hakka, Cantonese), and Indian (Tamil) communities
- Signature foods:
- Ipoh Hor Fun, White Coffee, Nasi Ganja, Rendang Tok, Mee Kari, Tau Fu Fah
- Known for music, royal processions, wayang kulit, and Islamic events
- Multicultural festivals observed vibrantly
Summary
Perak is a state of regal legacy, natural diversity, and cultural harmony. From ancient rainforests and royal capitals to bustling cities and sacred caves, Perak offers a truly balanced Malaysian experience—rooted in tradition and thriving in modernity.