Zambry: Proposed LCCT in Perak not aimed at competing with other states

IPOH (May 14): The construction of the proposed low-cost carrier terminal in Perak will be a holistic development for the state and a project of such nature will not compete with other states, says Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

He said the Utara Malaysia Airport Terminal (UMAT) was part of the state's future development for the Northern region.

"The Federal government is carrying out a detailed study as the proposed project will invite different perspectives from state governments especially from Kedah and Penang which also have airports.

"I am looking for cooperation as a new approach to the proposed project.

"If we have a new low-cost carrier airport, it will have spin off effects on other states especially Kedah and Penang which are nearer to Perak," he said when interviewed over PerakFM in the "Selamat Pagi Dr Zambry" programme.

Zambry also said the proposed terminal would be different from the Penang International Airport which was constructed solely to spur economic development not only in the state but also regionally.

"Investors would look at good opportunities and with the proposed terminal in the region it would serve as a transition for Southeast Asia," he said.

Zambry also said the project was also capable of generating revenue as it would involve billions of ringgit in investment.

"There is already an airport in town which is flourishing with industries and it is also a tourist attraction.

In addition, if the project becomes a reality, the influx of people moving in and out of the area would increase to about five million, annually.

On discussions with the Federal government, he said it was still on-going although there was some reservation over the model submitted.

"The Federal government is concerned that the model we submitted might have an impact on the Penang International airport, but we will continue with the discussions," he said, adding that the state government has had discussions with Sime Darby. — Bernama