IPOH: Land that was previously identified as a location to build a new international airport in Seri Iskandar has been sold.
Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming said it was learned that the land was sold by an irresponsible party without state permission.
"The land which was supposed to be developed as an airport in Seri Iskandar has been sold by the irresponsible individual without getting any approval from the state executive councillor," he said.
Nga (DAP-Aulong) said this during the debate on the Royal Address at the state assembly sitting in Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here today.
"Perak should have an international airport, and it was one of the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifestos in 2013.
"It has been almost 10 years, where is the airport? I was told that the land has been sold by the irresponsible individual without getting any approval," he said.
Meanwhile, Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir in his debate said the state government should continue to develop the airport if the land was available.
Zambry, who is also Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) chairman, said it was crucial to have a bigger runway that could accommodate wide-body aircraft in the state.
"To enable Perak to be a major food producer in the country, it is recommended that the food security policy be established with the infrastructure.
"We need to get a better connectivity in terms of our port, roads, and air," he said.
Zambry said he previously suggested that the airport be built in Seri Iskandar, equipped with a 3km runway to accommodate wide-body aircraft.
"It is not only for planes with passengers, but in the future, we need to have an airport that can accommodate big flights and cargo (planes) in order to have a more efficient and fast connection," he said.
Zambry said the state government should re-look into the matter thoroughly.
"It is learned that the land has been sold, but if there is nothing (developed) there yet, the state government can re-include the plan to build the airport for the future of our state," he said.
Talks to build a bigger airport in Perak to boost tourism and other industries have been going on for years.
The current Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (LTSAS) in Ipoh cannot be expanded as land is limited.
In 2013, LTSAS stopped operations for larger aircraft after sinkholes were detected at the side of the runway. The airport use was subsequently limited to turboprop planes.