Natural gas pipeline boon for Perak

IPOH: The 140km-long natural gas distribution system from Ayer Tawar to the Kinta Valley is set to be a game-changer for the state’s manufacturing sector.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said it was a dream come true for the state, after years of lobbying the Federal Government to lay a natural gas pipeline in the Kinta Valley.

“Although the project will only be completed in the fourth quarter of next year, we can see the commitment of the International Trade and Industry Ministry, state government and Gas Malaysia Bhd

“I believe this relationship and plan that we have (the project) will be a game-changer for the manufacturing industry in Perak,” he said after the ground-breaking ceremony for the system at Scientex Bhd in Bandar Meru Raya yesterday.

Present were Second International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Gas Malaysia Bhd chairman Hasni Harun.

Zambry said: “We believe it will give a boost to the development of coastal areas in Perak, especially from Perak Tengah to Bagan Datuk.

“This project will bring a lot of benefit to Bagan Datuk as the state government is developing the district as part of the Wilayah Perak Selatan (WPS) development.”

He added that the availability of natural gas would attract more investments to the state and spur industrial growth.