Taiping, Perak
Taiping (Malay: [taipeŋ], Jawi: تاءيڤيڠ; Chinese: 太平, Mandarin: [tʰaɪ̯⁵¹piŋ], Hokkien: Thài-pêng; Tamil: தைப்பிங்) is a town located in Larut, Matang and Selama District, Perak, Malaysia. It is located approximately 48 km (30 mi) northwest of Ipoh, the capital of Perak, and 78 km (48 mi) southeast of George Town, Penang. With a population of 245,182 (in 2013), it is the second largest town in Perak after Ipoh, the state capital.
Taiping | |
|---|---|
Town and district capital | |
| Taiping Town Bandar Taiping | |
| Other transcription(s) | |
| • Jawi | تاءيڤيڠ |
| • Chinese | 太平 (Simplified) 太平 (Traditional) Tàipíng (Hanyu Pinyin) Thài-pêng (Penang Hokkien) |
| • Tamil | தைப்பிங் Taippiṅ (Transliteration) |
Kota Road at night | |
|
Seal | |
| Nickname(s): The Rain City, The Heritage City | |
| Motto(s): Aman Selama-lamanya
(English trans.: Everlasting Peace) | |
| Coordinates: 4°51′N 100°44′E | |
| Country | Malaysia |
| State | Perak |
| District | Larut, Matang and Selama District |
| Established | 1874 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Local government |
| • Body | Taiping Municipal Council |
| • President | Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir |
| Area | |
| • Total | 186.46 km2 (71.99 sq mi) |
| Population (2013) | |
| • Total | 245,182 |
| • Density | 1,315/km2 (3,406/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (MST) |
| Postal code | 34xxx |
| Area code | 05 |
| Vehicle registration | A |
| Website | www.mptaiping.gov.my |
Taiping took over Kuala Kangsar's role as the state capital from 1876 to 1937, but was then replaced by Ipoh. Its growth slowed after that, but in recent years the town has been developing rapidly again. Perak State Museum is located in the town.
Taiping also receives some limelight for being the wettest town in Peninsular Malaysia. Its average annual rainfall of about 4,000 mm has led to fertile flora and rain trees in the Taiping Lake Gardens.
Taiping was ranked Top 3 Sustainable Cities in the world.