IPOH: Dubbed as the country’s largest shoe paradise, Ipoh Shoe City is set to transform Perak into one of the leading footwear industries in the world.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the RM100 million project in Pengkalan Light Industrial Area was first mooted by the state government in 2012 after several discussions with the Perak Footwear Industries Association (PFIA).
“Not many people are aware that Ipoh produces some top quality footwear and this is supported by the fact that shoemaking has long been regarded as a cottage industry.
“The 104-year industry is home to about 200 shoemakers. The project is seen as a revolutionary infrastructure development for the century-old shoe-making industry here.
“With the establishment of Ipoh Shoe City, I hope it can help us expand to the overseas market and create for us a larger trading platform as well as further accelerate the state's economic development,” he added.
Zambry said this during a press conference after attending the ground-breaking ceremony of Ipoh Shoe City here today.
Once completed, it will accommodate 128 factories, 18 shops, a hotel and a convention hall.
The 10.8ha project is expected to be completed in seven or eight years and serve as a manufacturing base as well as a spot for both shoe buyers and tourists to visit.
Also present were PFIA chairman Lee Min Choy and State Health, Public Transport, Non-Islamic Affairs, National Integration and New Villages committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
Meanwhile, Lee in his speech said the project took longer than expected as the land was covered by 90 per cent water.
“We used a lot of money to fill up the disused mining pond,” he said, adding that a shoe museum would also be built there.