Perak MB wants DCA to review ban on tall buildings in Ipoh

IPOH (Jan 25): The Perak state government has urged the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) to review its ban on construction of tall buildings in Ipoh as it would affect development, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

He said the regulation enforced since the 1950s obstructed the state government's efforts to develop Ipoh into a modern city.

"The state government urges the DCA to revise this ban so that we can turn Ipoh into a city with recognisable landmarks, including tall buildings. We understand tall buildings cannot be build near the airport due to safety reasons.

"But that ruling should not apply to surrounding areas of Ipoh," he told reporters after chairing a state exco meeting here on Wednesday.

Zambry hopes DCA would discuss the matter with the state government.

He said the restriction, which was set to prevent air traffic interference at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (LTSAS), should only be imposed in areas with air traffic, and not for the whole city.

"This revision can be done, especially since there is new technology like navigation system for air traffic... to conclude that no high-rise buildings can be built in the city is difficult to accept, so we want the department to give their views on this," he said. — Bernama