Perak is blessed with an abundance of natural resources:
• Limestone
Limestone deposits are estimated to be at least 3.5 billion tonnes in Perak. Limestone is rich in calcium and can be rich in magnesium. These minerals important raw materials in the metallurgical, agricultural, chemical and construction industries. Many of these rich deposits are found in the vicinity of the highly-urban Kinta valley.
• Kaolin
Some of the highest quality kaolin is found in Perak. Kaolin resources are estimated at 1.7 million tonnes. It is used for paper manufacturing, emulsion paints, pesticides and the production of rubber products. It is also used in ceramics, medicine, bricks, coated paper, as food additive, in toothpaste and cosmetics. Kaolin is mainly found in the Batang Padang district down South of Ipoh.
• Charcoal
There are 566,856ha of mangrove forests in Malaysia. The Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve in Perak (40,151ha), is one of the best-managed in the world and produces sustainable charcoal, firewood and poles. With technology, charcoal can now even be used to facilitate the generation of electricity.
• Granite
Local marble is mainly sourced from Keramat Pulai. In fact, the place is also dubbed as the 'Carrara of Malaysia', reminiscent of the world-renowned centre in Italy that produces marble and granite, due to its abundance of marble deposits. The quarry in Simpang Pulai, Perak, produces world-class pink and white marble.
• Tin & Mining Pools
Tin was extensively mined in the Perak and the state has plenty of opportunities for the re-development of ex-mining areas. There are some 53,000ha of unused tin mining pools, some of which have been converted into new development platforms like the theme parks in Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, The Lost World of Tambun, and into housing and for settlement programmes.
• Forestry
Forests make up one third of the State. Malaysia's magnificent Belum-Temenggor rainforests is an estimated 130 million years old and is home to at least 14 globally threatened mammals including the Sumatran rhino, the Malayan tiger, the Asian elephant, tapirs and leopards.
• Water
In Peninsular Malaysia, Perak and Pahang have the highest record of water reserve. Being situated in the middle of the development corridor of West Malaysia, together with ample water supply and low water tariffs, Perak is the ideal place to locate industries that require high water supply.
• Agriculture lands
The soil in Perak is suitable for various crops e.g. rice, pineapples, coffee, pomelo, rubber and palm oil. Perak is also one of the leaders in poultry and livestock farming in the country. Production in the agricultural sector alone accounts for nearly RM1.3billion in production sales.
