Transport Ministry studying need for new airport in Perak, MB tells state assembly

IPOH: The Transport Ministry is currently studying the need for a new airport to be built in Perak, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

The Perak Mentri Besar said the study began on March 7 and is expected to be completed by Sept 7 next year.

"A new airport will boost the economy in the state. The plan to build a new airport will depend on the study on the National Airport Strategic Plan as being conducted by the Ministry," he said in his winding-up speech at the state assembly sitting on Thursday (Dec 22).

"The focus of the study is on the estimation of demand by passengers and cargo flights and commitment by airline companies that wished to use the existing airports in the country.

"The state does hope to get a new airport as it can boost the tourism and health tourism sector," he added.

Separately, Saarani said the lanthanide project in Hulu Perak is going well.

He said an auditing committee, which conducted its first round of auditing on the rare earth mining activity was under control and adhered to the standard operating procedures.

"There had been no negative impact on the environment," he said.