SERI ISKANDAR (May 21): 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, said the approval process will consider various procedures that must be followed, and a decision has not yet been reached.

“Colebrand International Ltd is currently unable to conduct the field study. While discussions have taken place, approval for the process has not been granted.

“Hence, the field study remains pending due to potential constraints, including other states also seeking to build new international airports. Nevertheless, we will stay updated on the progress through the Ministry of Transport [MOT].”

He said this after officiating the closing of the Road Safety Explorvokasi Programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Seri Iskandar Campus near here.

The state government had previously expressed hope that the federal government would approve the construction proposal for the Seri Iskandar International Airport, situated in central Perak, as a means to stimulate the state's economic development.

The airport is seen as essential for meeting the state's requirements to attract investments, particularly from the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC), which holds the potential to generate up to RM72 billion in investments over the next 25 years.

Previously, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, said the state already possesses appropriate land for the airport's development. However, the proposals are contingent upon approval from the MOT and the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

The proposed Seri Iskandar International Airport is slated for construction on a new site spanning approximately 1,618.7 hectares near Felcra Nasaruddin, Bota. Funding for the project will be facilitated through private finance initiatives (PFI).

Meanwhile, Mohammad Nizar stressed the state government's serious concern regarding the frequent accidents reported, particularly along the Menora Tunnel route. He expressed hope that the construction of the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE) will contribute to reducing fatal accidents.

The WISE highway, stretching 60km will have three dual-lane lanes starting from Gopeng through Batu Gajah, Siputeh, Manong, Tronoh, Beko, Seri Iskandar, and finally reaching Kuala Kangsar.

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