Latest news with #PerakStateSmartCityBlueprint2040
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Perak vape ban decision pending further talks, says MB
IPOH: A decision on whether to ban vape products in Perak has yet to be made pending further discussions, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. While the state executive council meeting briefly raised the matter, the Perak Mentri Besar said a more in-depth review is still required. 'A study needs to be conducted before any firm decision can be made. 'I have spoken to the state health committee chairman A. Sivanesan about it, but there are several matters that must be carefully considered. 'Among the factors being weighed are public health concerns and the potential impact on local vape traders,' he said after launching two strategic plans for the state here yesterday. On May 23, Saarani said that Perak is ready to consider the proposal to ban the sale of vape products and that he would try to bring the matter to the exco meeting the following week. Saarani added in the press conference that he had also received a request from the operators' (vape) association to discuss the matter. 'These are issues that need to be thoroughly examined. 'So any move to regulate or ban vape sales must take into account both health implications and economic effects on traders.' Saarani said with Sivanesan tasked with reviewing the matter from both a health and business impact perspective, a final decision will be made once all considerations are fully explored. 'I hope the matter will be tabled at the exco meeting as soon as possible,' he said. Earlier on at the event, Saarani said the state marked a new milestone with the launch of two strategic plans aimed at transforming Perak into an inclusive, sustainable and competitive smart state driven by the digital economy. The Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak State Smart City Blueprint 2040, Saarani said, are designed to strengthen digital infrastructure, empower human capital, and stimulate innovation and technology investment. He said the simultaneous launch of both plans marks a key step towards building a more efficient, resilient and high-quality urban environment, with a positive impact on Perak's socio-economic development. 'We are now in an era of rapid digital transformation, and if we act too slowly, we will be left behind. That is why the digital economy agenda has been identified as one of the nine main agendas under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan. 'Our goal is clear: to build an inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy.'
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Perak charts course to smart state with two strategic plans
KUALA LUMPUR: The Perak state government has launched the Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak State Smart City Blueprint 2040, as part of its long-term vision to modernise the state. The twin initiatives aim to transform the northern state, with a population of around 2.8 million, into an inclusive, sustainable and competitive smart state driven by the digital economy. The strategic plans are centred on strengthening digital infrastructure, developing human capital and fostering innovation and technology investment to drive comprehensive, high-impact socio-economic growth. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the successful implementation of smart cities supports digital economic development, while digital economic growth strengthens a city's ability to become smarter and more resilient. "The Digital Economy Agenda is one of nine key agendas under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, launched in 2021, to develop an inclusive, resilient and sustainable socio-economy for all people of Perak," Saarani said in a statement. Meanwhile, he emphasised that both action plans were developed holistically and inclusively from the ground up. "We took into account feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including federal and state departments and agencies, local authorities, the private sector, academia, NGOs, and local communities. "This ensures that all strategies and initiatives are not only responsive to current demands but are also resilient enough to face future challenges with greater effectiveness and sustainability," he said. As a prime mover for a large part of the implementation of Perak Sejahtera 2030, Perak State Development Corp chief executive officer Datuk Redza Rafiq said both plans serve as comprehensive frameworks for driving digital technology adoption. He added the plans aim to improve the efficiency of public services, urban management and the overall quality of life for the people. "This, in turn, will further strengthen the state's administrative capabilities and position Perak as a more efficient and competitive state. "The action plan and the blueprint will serve as key reference points in realigning development priorities in a more systematic, progressive and data-driven manner, in support of the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030," he added.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Perak govt unveils two strategic plans to enhance its digital economy
IPOH: The Perak government marked a new milestone with the unveiling of two strategic plans aimed at transforming the state into an inclusive, sustainable and competitive smart state driven by a digital economy. The plans - Perak Digital Economy Action Plan 2030 and the Perak State Smart City Blueprint 2040 - were launched by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad on Wednesday (June 4). Both plans are designed to strengthen digital infrastructure, empower human capital and stimulate innovation and technology investment towards comprehensive and high-impact socio-economic development. Saarani, in his speech, said the digital economy and smart city development plans are complementary, with the former providing technology, policy direction, and talent, while the latter supports growth through infrastructure, data access, and demand for digital solutions. He said the simultaneous launch of both plans marks a key step towards building a more efficient, resilient, and high-quality urban environment, with a positive impact on Perak's socio-economic development. 'We are now in an era of rapid digital transformation, and if we act too slowly, we will be left behind. 'That is why the digital economy agenda has been identified as one of the nine main agendas under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan. 'Our goal is clear: to build an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy,' he said in his speech before launching the plans at a hotel here on Wednesday. Saarani added that the contribution of the digital sector is highly significant to the state's economic growth. He said this sector contributed approximately 15%, or RM12bil of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM80.2bil in 2022. 'By 2030, the sector's contribution is expected to increase significantly, with projected growth of between RM2bil and RM4.2bil to the state's GDP, in line with the economic transition towards digitalisation. 'This projected growth is aligned with the national target of achieving a 25% contribution from the digital economy to the country's overall GDP by 2030,' he said. Saarani said in fact, it is also expected to create between 3,000 and 6,000 new job opportunities and assist in the digitalisation of 18,000 micro, small and medium enterprises. He said the plans focus on four main pillars: access to quality digital infrastructure, efficient digital public administration, a digitally driven business ecosystem, and a digitally empowered society. 'A total of 21 programmes have been identified, with five catalyst projects given priority. 'To ensure the success of both plans is felt broadly, the development of the people, especially youth, must not be overlooked. 'The state government is committed to inclusive and competitive youth development across various economic sectors. 'We aim for 55% of SPM leavers to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by 2025,' he said. Saarani said he believed the vision of making Perak a resilient, inclusive, and advanced digital state would become a reality. 'Let us continue strengthening this synergy for the benefit of both current and future generations,' he added.
