IPOH: The construction of the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE), which will run between Gopeng and Kuala Kangsar, is expected to commence in early June, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic).
The Perak Mentri Besar said discussions between the concession company and the Federal Government are in the final stages to review the draft agreement.
He noted that a draft concession agreement is also being reviewed by the Attorney General's Chambers.
He said that once the agreement is finalised (and signed), the concession company can begin construction.
He said this during a press conference after officiating the 27th annual general meeting of the Masjid Perak Cooperative on Wednesday (May 15).
The WISE intends to alleviate congestion on the North-South Expressway (PLUS), especially around the Menora Tunnel.
The 60km highway, which will have three lanes in both directions, will start in Gopeng and passing through Batu Gajah, Siputeh, Manong, Tronoh, Beko, Seri Iskandar and end in Kuala Kangsar.
On another matter, Saarani said that representatives from prominent South Korean company Star Group Industries recently visited several locations in Perak with plans to establish a magnet manufacturing plant.
He said possible locations include Kamunting in Taiping, Bandariang in Gerik, and Silver Valley Technology Park.
"We told them that Perak possesses minerals, including non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE). We convinced them to visit Perak and they verified the information.
"They were pleased with what they saw and showed positive reactions," he said.
In April, Saarani and a state government delegation conducted an eight-day working visit to South Korea to attract investments to Perak, particularly in the mineral industry. – Bernama
