IPOH: Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) will implement the use of an electric bus on the Heritage Trail by early next year.
Perak Health, Science, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Mohd Akmal Kamarudin said the initiative was in the final stages of implementation.
“The bus will be operated by MPT itself with the aim of being a catalyst for local heritage tourism.
“A middle-sized electric vehicle (EV) (bus) which uses full electricity has been donated by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“This initiative involves the cooperation of several local companies and also from Japan,” he said.
The Pas-Selama assemblyman said this in his reply to a question from Loh Sze Yee (DAP-Jalong) at the state assembly sitting here, today.
Mohd Akmal added that the infrastructure on the Heritage Trail has been completed, including the construction of a bus stop and an electric bus charging centre.
He said the Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI), is planning to collaborate with the private sector in the provision of electric car charging services.
“This initiative is an effort to encourage the use of EVs in the future, while several locations have been identified for the installation of such chargers.
“However, the use of EVs is a long-term plan that must take into account various factors such as infrastructure facilities, the availability of manufacturers and consumers,” he added.
The Taiping Heritage Trail consists of 40 site destinations, including Taiping Zoo, Raintree Walk, Jubilee Jetty Perak, Clock Tower, Peace Hotel, Peking Hotel, Kota Mosque, Hokkien Association, Sikh Gurdwara, Railway Station, St George School, Post Office, The New Club, All Saints’ Church, Perak Museum and many others.
In reply to an additional question by Loh, Mohd Akmal said the state would create more EV charging stations throughout the state, especially in Ipoh.
Mohd Akmal said the matter was one of the proposals highlighted in the Perak Sustainable Greenprint 2030 which was completed within a year.