DATARAN GANGGA NEGARA SET TO REVITALISE PEKAN BERUAS - SAARANI

BERUAS, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- The construction of Dataran Gangga Negara will serve as a key catalyst in efforts to revitalise Pekan Beruas into a more vibrant, attractive and community-friendly town, said Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

He said the square is designed as an integrated public space where residents can gather, interact, engage in recreational activities and organise community programmes involving all age groups, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in the area.

“The construction of Dataran Gangga Negara is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade and beautify Pekan Beruas in stages, in line with the area’s development direction.

“The project was realised through collaboration between the Manjung Municipal Council (MPM) and Vale Malaysia Minerals Sdn Bhd under a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, serving as an example of strategic cooperation between local authorities and the private sector,” he said.

Saarani said this in his speech at the inauguration of Dataran Gangga Negara and the Pekan Beruas Street Art programme here today, which was also attended by Pengkalan Baharu assemblyman Azman Noh.

Saarani said that the beautification of Pekan Beruas involved a total cost of RM2.2 million, with the first phase focusing on the development of the Laman Memori Beruas, featuring mural and landscape elements to strengthen the town’s identity and heritage.

“The second phase involved the development of Dataran Gangga Negara, including the provision of more comfortable and safer facilities, particularly for the elderly and children.

“The emphasis on creating more organised pedestrian walkways, known as the Beruas walkway, is in line with the concept of a pedestrian-friendly town. This not only enhances the health and well-being of residents but also helps reduce traffic congestion,” he said.

Saarani said the improved and more organised public facilities would also directly support local economic activities, as increased public footfall creates greater opportunities for small traders and local entrepreneurs.

“The construction of this square is also viewed within the broader context of Manjung district’s overall development, which is driven by high-impact projects such as the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC) and the Perak Halal Industrial Park@Lekir (Perak HIP), as well as an improving connectivity network, including the West Coast Expressway (WCE),” he said.

“In addition, as the country gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), the provision of clean, orderly and well-managed public facilities such as Dataran Gangga Negara will help Pekan Beruas prepare to welcome visitors and enhance its appeal as a stopover destination,” he said.

He added that while the state government provides the infrastructure, the true success of development depends on how well the facilities are utilised and maintained by the local community.

-- BERNAMA