Ayer Tawar New Village

Discover the Rich Heritage of Ayer Tawar New Village in Perak

Ayer Tawar New Village is a historic settlement located in the Manjung district of Perak, Malaysia, approximately 12 kilometres from its larger neighbour, Sitiawan. Established during the British colonial era, this town is renowned for its deep-rooted Foochow (or Fuzhou) cultural heritage, preserved by descendants of early migrants from the Kutien District of Fuzhou, China. The name 'Ayer Tawar' itself means "clear water," a name said to have originated from Sumatran residents in the 1830s. Today, the area maintains a peaceful, traditional way of life, with the Fuzhou dialect still widely spoken among the friendly villagers.

Community, Culture, and Economy

The majority of Ayer Tawar's population of 30,000 are of Chinese descent, contributing to a vibrant cultural landscape. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with the surrounding lands dedicated to oil palm and rubber cultivation. This has expanded in recent years to include chicken and shrimp farming. The town is particularly famous for its authentic Foochow cuisine and traditional bakeries. Local delicacies include Red Wine Mee Sua, sweet and sour fish, and various handmade biscuits and buns like "gong pian" and layered "momo" buns. For a glimpse into the community's history, visitors can make an appointment to see the Ayer Tawar Heritage House, which showcases artefacts from the early 20th century.

Amenities and Local Attractions

While life in Ayer Tawar is quiet, it is well-supported by essential amenities and unique local spots.

Recreation

• A unique local landmark is a park affectionately known by villagers as "Disneyland Ayer Tawar," established in the 1990s and serving as a popular recreational spot for jogging and sightseeing.

Shopping & Dining

• The town is a haven for food enthusiasts, with numerous bakeries and restaurants offering traditional Foochow specialities. Notable bakeries include Siew Hua Biscuit and Shuan Fu bun shop.
• A local night market is held every Wednesday, providing a variety of local food and goods.

Education

Ayer Tawar provides multiple educational institutions for its residents, including:

• SK Ayer Tawar (National School).
• SMK Ayer Tawar (Secondary School).
• SJK (C) Min Te and SJK (C) Pei Min (Chinese Primary Schools).
• SK Methodist (Primary School).

Healthcare

The town is served by several private clinics, ensuring access to medical care:

• Klinik Hoo.
• Poliklinik Rajen.
• Poliklinik Samudera.
• Klinik Kesihatan Ayer Tawar (Government Health Clinic).

Connectivity

Ayer Tawar is located about 60 km west of Ipoh and is accessible via the coastal road from Telok Intan to Sitiawan. The town itself is compact and many attractions are within walking distance. The larger town of Sitiawan is just 12 km away, providing further connectivity and amenities.