Vale Malaysia and Majlis Perbandaran Manjung (MPM) recently marked the launch of Dataran Gangga Negara, a communal and heritage tourism space that reflects Beruas’ historical significance and pays homage to its roots as one of Southeast Asia’s earliest civilisations.
Image above: YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Saarani Mohamad, Perak Menteri Besar (middle/eight from left) officiates Dataran Gangga Negara alongside YDh. Toh Seri Bijaya Lt. Kol (B) Dato’ Shaharudin Haji Nazari, Orang Besar Jajahan Manjung (sixth from left), YBrs. Tuan Muhammad Faizal Shah Safian Suri, Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Manjung (twelfth from left), YBrs. Tuan Shamsul Ridzuan Idris, Manjung District Officer (fifth from left), YB Encik Azman Noh State Assemblyman for Pengkalan Baharu (ninth from left), YDh. ACP Tuan Hasbullah Abdul Rahman, Manjung District Police Chief (fourteenth from left), YBrs. Tuan Suhaimi Abu Hassan Shari, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Perak (eleventh from left), Leonardo Paiva, Chief Executive Officer, Vale Malaysia (seventh from left) and Afzal Mohsin, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, Vale Malaysia (tenth from left), and council members.
The inauguration forms part of a joint heritage-led urban development initiative valued at nearly RM5 million, aimed at enhancing key civic spaces and strengthening Beruas’ position as a cultural and tourism destination in Perak, complementing Visit Perak 2026 and the wider Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Owing to its rich heritage, cultural tapestry, and historical ties to the ancient Gangga Negara civilisation, Beruas was selected as a focal point within Manjung for the strategic partnership, making it an ideal showcase of the district’s vibrancy to both residents and travellers.
The launch was officiated by Perak Menteri Besar, YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Saarani Mohamad, who toured the revitalised town centre, featuring mural-adorned streetscapes and landscaped walkways that elevate Beruas’ charm and celebrate its lively community spirit.
YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Saarani Mohamad commended the initiative for its holistic approach to celebrating Perak’s heritage and community development while strengthening its future potential. “The revitalisation of Beruas highlights the importance of preserving our historical legacy while responding to the evolving needs of the community. By honouring the legacy of Gangga Negara, a key civilisation that shaped early society, and reimagining Beruas as a welcoming, people-centred town, this initiative strengthens community spirit and positions Beruas as a culturally-significant landmark that reflects Perak’s socioeconomic growth as a dynamic tourism destination blending heritage, culture, and nature,” he said.
Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Manjung, Tuan Muhammad Faizal Shah Safian Suri, emphasised the role of strategic collaboration in unlocking Beruas’ tourism potential. He said, “Beruas is a town with deep historical roots and a distinctive identity. Our partnership with Vale demonstrates a collective effort to enhance public spaces and restore key heritage assets, creating a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. These improvements support Beruas’ development as a hub for tourism and community-driven events.” Over a year ago, Beruas hosted the inaugural Manjung Run, which attracted heightened interest and boosted economic activity. Additional activities are planned to further energise the town.
Leonardo Paiva, Chief Executive Officer of Vale Malaysia, reiterated Vale’s long-term commitment to inclusive community development in Manjung: “Every town has a story, and Beruas is no exception. Its rich history, vibrant community, and deep cultural roots are treasures to be preserved and shared for generations. This collaboration between industry, local authorities, and academia brings that story to life, integrating creative placemaking, interactive storytelling, and urban enhancements to celebrate local identity while enhancing liveability and the visitor experience. By working with like-minded partners, we remain committed to building on this momentum to support continued progress and advance the district’s bright, inclusive, and resilient future.”
The rejuvenation programme was implemented in two phases over a two-year period from 2023. The first phase featured murals by the Perak-based artist collective Lakar by Mekar, bringing Beruas’ history to life through the faces, memories, and daily experiences of its people, alongside depictions of the town’s founding and its diverse flora and fauna. The mural, infused with batik motifs and signature elements such as the Beruas tree, also features a QR code that allows visitors to explore the stories behind the artwork, offering an interactive engagement with the town’s history.
The second phase focused on townscape improvements, including upgraded pedestrian walkways, repainting of Beruas’ iconic colonial-era shophouses, and the establishment of Dataran Gangga Negara as a unifying landmark that complements the town’s vibrant streetscape, integrating historical heritage with culturally-infused artistic expression. Supported by consultants from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perak, the revitalisation effort carefully balances heritage preservation with contemporary functionality, strengthening walkability, streetscape continuity, and aesthetic harmony, in keeping with Beruas’ distinctive charm and identity.
The initiative is part of Vale’s Community Development Programme (CDP) 2.0, a RM16 million programme spanning 2023 to 2025, focused on uplifting the Manjung community through education, environmental conservation, and socio-economic empowerment. In the coming months, Vale will be announcing CDP 3.0 to further support community initiatives, enhance public spaces, and create more opportunities for residents while continuing to celebrate Manjung’s unique heritage and identity.
This content is provided by Vale Malaysia Minerals.
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