“The airport is vital to fulfill the state’s needs for investment, especially from Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC), which could bring in up to RM72 billion in investments over the next 25 years.“
KUALA LUMPUR, 23th May 2024 – The Perak state government is awaiting federal government approval for Colebrand International Ltd, a UK-based mega infrastructure engineering company, to begin a field study for the construction of a new international airport.
State Infrastructure, Energy, Water, and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin stated that the approval process involves several procedures that need to be adhered to, and a decision has not yet been made.
“Colebrand International Ltd is currently unable to proceed with the field study. Despite discussions, approval for the process has not yet been granted.”
“As a result, the field study remains pending due to potential constraints, including competition from other states also seeking to build new international airports. However, we will continue to monitor progress through the Ministry of Transport (MOT).”
He made these remarks after closing the Road Safety Explorvokasi Programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Seri Iskandar Campus.
The state government had earlier expressed its hope that the federal government would approve the proposal to construct the Seri Iskandar International Airport in central Perak to boost the state’s economic development.
The airport is considered crucial for attracting investments to the state, especially from the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC), which could bring in up to RM72 billion in investments over the next 25 years.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad previously mentioned that the state already has suitable land for the airport’s development. However, the plans depend on approval from the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
The proposed Seri Iskandar International Airport is set to be built on a new site covering about 1,618.7 hectares near Felcra Nasaruddin, Bota. The project will be funded through private finance initiatives (PFI).
Meanwhile, Mohammad Nizar emphasized the state government’s significant concern over the frequent accidents reported, especially along the Menora Tunnel route. He expressed optimism that the construction of the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE) will help reduce fatal accidents.
The WISE highway will span 60km and feature three dual-lane sections, starting from Gopeng and passing through Batu Gajah, Siputeh, Manong, Tronoh, Beko, Seri Iskandar, and ending in Kuala Kangsar.
