Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Kampar and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on Thursday signed an agreement to publish a study on Chinese temples in caves around Ipoh which is put Perak on the world map.

State Health, Transport, National Integration, Non-Muslim Affairs and New Villages Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the study would be conducted by UTAR and the Academy.

"Among temples selected are Nam To Ngam and Loong Thow Ngam Tao temples at Gunung Lang, Sam Poh Tong and Nam Thean Tong temples at Gunung Rapat," he told a press conference after the signing.

Dr Mah said he was confident that the publication, expected to be released in July, could attract more Chinese tourists to Perak, especially Ipoh.

"Before this tourists from China will just stop over at two or three temples before travelling to other states.

"But with this book I am sure they will be attracted to see more and will spend a night in Ipoh," he said.

-- BERNAMA