New paradigm for development

TAIPING is set to be the first in Malaysia to implement the “Machineoki” concept to create a sense of belonging among its people to develop the town together.

Taiping Municipal Council president Datuk Abd Rahim Md Ariff said the town had been chosen to implement the concept under which the community would offer amenities and services to visitors.

According to Abd Rahim, the concept, first implemented in Japan, is based on the concept of care, harmony and prosperity.

“We have been chosen to implement this concept because we have the Taiping Heritage Trail programme.

Abd Rahim said more amenities would be added to these locations for tourists, especially those walking from one spot to another along the heritage trail.

“At the museum, tourists can use its parking area and toilet for free.

“Other services or facilities offered at the other locations include a waiting room, information centre and chairs to sit on,” he said.

“We want the people in Taiping to be involved when it comes to developing the town,” he added.

During the launching ceremony, Abd Rahim said that the ring road around the Lake Gardens, Jalan Pekeliling, would be renamed as Raintree Walk.

He said the 65ha park and lake gardens would be open to visitors at all times.

“Visitors and tourists can enjoy a calmer and safer environment using this road, which is the only road in Taiping declared as a No Car Zone,” he added.

It was reported that a 630m-long stretch of the road, which makes up about a quarter of the entire Lake Gardens loop, will permanently be a pedestrian walk and cycling path.

By closing off the road to motorised vehicles, the municipal council hopes it can better preserve the century-old raintrees.

Formerly a disused mining area and established in 1884, the Taiping Lake Gardens is one of the oldest parks in Malaysia.

— By IVAN LOH/ The Star – 28-Dec-2017