Perlis Has Potential To Become "Second Dubai" - Raja Of Perlis

ARAU, May 17 (Bernama) --  Perlis has the potential to become the “Second Dubai” due to its strategic location bordering Thailand and its growing economic and tourism prospects, said the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said his vision for Perlis may seem ambitious to some, but he believes the state possesses extraordinary potential for development.

“We look back at Dubai 50 years ago… there were no tall buildings then, but today we see rapid development there. We, too, have that opportunity with projects such as the Perlis Inland Port (PIP), for example.

“But the people and the government must work harder to achieve that vision,” said the ruler in his speech at the state investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his 83rd birthday celebration at Istana Arau here today.

On May 4, Bernama reported Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin as saying that Perlis has the potential to emerge as a “Second Dubai”, serving as a gateway to ASEAN countries within the next few years.

Reflecting on the situation a decade ago, His Royal Highness said the state government had worked hard to attract tourists to Perlis, making the state increasingly popular due to its unique attractions, including its food offerings.

“Alhamdulillah, today visitors from Thailand stop in Perlis, those from Langkawi stop in Perlis, and some come specifically to visit Perlis because we have extraordinary attractions. We need to add more attractions and strengthen our marketing efforts.

“We want more tourists to come to Perlis, and I believe that one day Perlis can become another ‘Dubai’. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day...we must have the vision and determination to achieve it,” said Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin.

At the investiture ceremony, the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, headed the list of 24 award recipients. He was conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Setia Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail (S.S.S.J), which carries the title Datuk Seri Diraja.

The Raja of Perlis also conferred the S.S.S.J on the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and the Tengku Puteri Mahkota of Perlis, Datuk Seri Datin Paduka Hajah Sharifah Fazira Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar was awarded the Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Perlis (S.P.M.P), which carries the title Datuk Seri.

Also in attendance at the ceremony was the Raja Perempuan of Perlis, Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Almarhum Tengku Abdul Rashid.

-- BERNAMA