The **Bukit Larut Resort Center** in Taiping, Perak, the oldest hill resort in Malaysia, has been closed since a landslide in November 2019, severely impacting the local economy and its potential as an iconic eco-tourism destination. For nearly six years, the area was only open for self-guided hiking without adequate support systems.
This Flagship Program, a strategic partnership between **Universiti Malaya (UM)**, local authorities (MPT), and the community, aims to drive the full and official restoration of Bukit Larut. The project is aligned with the MADANI government's focus on community-based development, environmental sustainability, and inter-institutional engagement, contributing directly to **Visit Malaysia Year 2026**.
Transferring skills in **green design principles**, maintenance of sustainable facilities, waste management, and food safety practices to local entrepreneurs.
Reducing the economic gap by supporting community entrepreneurship through modern stall design, attracting visitors, and promoting environmental awareness (SDG 11, SDG 6, SDG 7).
Installation of **energy-efficient solar light systems** at the foothills and mountain peak, focusing on areas used by early morning hikers and late-night visitors.
Installation of a **wireless communication system** designed by UMPEDAC to monitor solar lights remotely (via smartphone/computer), enabling quick maintenance and improving public safety perception.
Enhancing visitor safety and confidence, reducing reliance on conventional power grids, and aligning with eco-tourism goals (SDG 7 - Clean Energy and SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities).
Training local community members on system management, digital marketing, content creation for QR systems, and becoming **digital tour guides**.
Improved visitor experience, systematic record-keeping for MPT, and enabling the community to generate income sustainably through digital platforms, aligned with MyDIGITAL goals (SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11).
The project culminates in a high-impact **Launch and Handover Ceremony** involving government leaders, UM staff, media, and the local community (Estimated 500-1,000 beneficiaries). This event serves as the official symbol of the resort's reopening and showcases the delivery of the three sustainable components (stalls, solar lights, digital system), ensuring wide media coverage and institutional archiving.
The primary risks involve time-sensitive scheduling for the launch event (VIP and media availability, adverse weather like heavy rain in Bukit Larut), technical risks (malfunction of solar/digital systems), and financial risks (cost overruns on construction/event logistics). Mitigation requires careful pre-planning, community engagement, and stringent budget control.
Sustainability relies on **community ownership** and joint management with the **Majlis Perbandaran Taiping (MPT)**. All new facilities will be maintained collaboratively. UM will provide periodic technical support through student community programs, and a detailed operational manual will be handed over. Post-project promotion via official UM and MPT channels will ensure continued visibility and attract future collaborations.
The combined Flagship Project addresses the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Last Update: 19/12/2025