Perak resubmits plans for airport

> New location for project identified, says MB

IPOH: The Perak state government has resubmitted its plans to the federal government to build a new airport with a longer runway of 3.5km, not far from the state capital.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir (pix) said a location, which he did not identify, was selected earlier but it had to be shelved as it was earmarked for other development.

He said the current location is a growth centre and the landscape is suitable for the construction of an airport.

“We are in the midst of finalising the plans and hope the location will be approved by the federal government,” he told reporters after attending the “Selamat Pagi Perak Bersama Zambry” at RTM here yesterday.

According to him, a series of initial discussions have been held and the state government needed several studies and also cooperation of the Transport Ministry and the Department of Civil Aviation.

He said based on the background and the location of the proposed site, implementing the project will not face any problems.

Zambry noted the new airport will not only serve the tourism sector but also cater for industries like maintenance, repair and overhaul of planes.

In the past, there have been calls from the tourism and business community for a new and bigger airport with a longer runway to accommodate larger aircraft.