The Administrative Heartland of Perak — Knowledge, Agriculture, and Urban Calm
Perak Tengah District, situated in central Perak, is a region where modern education, agriculture, and government services flourish in a semi-rural setting. With Seri Iskandar as the administrative capital, the district is growing as a higher education hub, attracting students and investors alike.
Formation and Historical Background
- Formed: As a formal district in the post-independence era, carved out from nearby older districts
- The area has historically been part of Perak’s rice bowl, with rivers and canals supporting agriculture
- With the development of Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and government relocation to Seri Iskandar, the region transformed into a modern knowledge corridor
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Perak Tengah District |
| State | Perak |
| District Capital | Seri Iskandar |
| Old Administrative Center | Parit |
| Area | Approx. 1,282 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 140,000 |
| Local Authority | Majlis Daerah Perak Tengah (MDPT) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim / Towns)
- Seri Iskandar – New town, educational and administrative hub
- Parit – Historical town, old commercial center
- Bota – Rural town with paddy fields and Malay heritage
- Kampung Gajah – Agricultural villages and FELDA settlements
- Tanjung Belanja, Lambor Kiri, Layang-Layang – Traditional settlements and plantation areas
Government and Notable Figures
| Position / Role | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| District Officer (DO) | Tuan Haji Mohd Syukri bin Mohd Nawawi | Oversees land and development matters |
| President of District Council (MDPT) | En. Ahmad Nadzri bin Arshad | Local government head |
| Member of Parliament (MP – Parit) | YB Dato’ Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin | Son of former Menteri Besar of Perak |
| State Assemblymen (ADUN – Bota, Belanja, Kampung Gajah) | Represent diverse local zones | |
| Educational Leader | Dr. Siti Aishah Khalid | Community educator and UTP representative |
Key Towns and Areas
- Seri Iskandar – UTP, MARA College, gov’t offices, business parks
- Parit – Older settlement with schools, mosques, markets
- Bota Kiri & Bota Kanan – Famous for traditional Malay kampungs
- Kampung Gajah – Agriculture and FELDA housing estates
Economy & Livelihood
- Education-based economy:
- UTP, UiTM, Kolej Komuniti bring students and development
- Agriculture:
- Paddy fields, oil palm, freshwater fish farming (patin, tilapia)
- Small and medium industries:
- Food processing, textiles, traditional kuih, batik printing
- Retail and government services in Seri Iskandar and Parit
Education & Institutions
- Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) – World-class engineering university
- Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM Seri Iskandar)
- Kolej Komuniti Perak Tengah, vocational and tahfiz institutions
- Government and religious schools across the district
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Changkat Melintang – Public hospital for the district
- Klinik Kesihatan in Seri Iskandar, Parit, Bota, and rural areas
- Private clinics and maternal health centers available
Transport & Connectivity
- Major access via Federal Route 5 and roads from Ipoh
- Regular buses, taxis, and student transport options
- Close to Batu Gajah and Ipoh for ETS train services
- Good connectivity to Teluk Intan, Manjung, and Lumut
Tourism & Attractions
- Bota Kanan River Bank – Fishing, leisure, cultural performances
- Perak River activities – Boat rides, agro-tourism
- Labu Sayong Pottery (nearby Kuala Kangsar border)
- Islamic architecture and Friday markets in Parit and Seri Iskandar
- Cultural village visits, durian farms, and river fish farms
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Predominantly Malay Muslim community with strong traditions
- Cultural festivals:
- Hari Raya Kenduri, Maulidur Rasul, Quran recitation events
- Local food:
- Ikan Patin Tempoyak, Nasi Lemuni, Kuih Lopes, Bota Grilled Fish, Rendang Tok
Summary
Perak Tengah District is the modern brain and rural belly of Perak—where knowledge institutions rise alongside green paddy fields, and students, civil servants, and villagers live in peaceful coexistence. It is the perfect blend of academic ambition and agricultural heritage.