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Media Statement
by M. Kula Segaran
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(Parliament, Tuesday) : The Perak Menteri Besar (MB) has announced that the present 2km airstrip at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh would be lengthened by more then 400m to enable planes the size of an A320 to land. The Ipoh airport is the main gate away by air for locals.

The MB was concerned when Air Asia decided to stop the Ipoh- Senai route as it was stated that the present runway was too short to accommodate A320 air bus. But apparently this was not the real reason for Air Asia to cease this Ipoh- Senai route. In September 2006 in Parliament we raised the necessity to increase the length of the airstrip by 400 meters. The Minister of Transport Dato Chan when replying to the matters we raised stated that the present airstrip can accommodate an A320 air bus. The real reason why Air Asia stopped operating was because the passenger load was never full. At most at any one time the passenger load rarely exceeded 50% capacity. Isn't the MB aware of this? If so will increasing the length of the airstrip by 400M bring in more passengers? We don't think so.

The MB should be realistic and practical. If the airport is not viable it's no use flogging a dead horse!

On Saturday the MB announced an amount of RM40 million is needed just for acquisition of private land. Apparently the initial estimated costs was a total of RM158 million was required to extend the airstrip to 2.2km which would include the extending of the terminal and shifting of the fire station at the Sultan Azlan Shah airport. In any case why RM40 million is required now? Why the sudden increase of costs for the proposed extension of the airstrip?

In September2006 the Perak state government has repeatedly mentioned it needs at least RM28million to extend the runway.

Our concern is with so much money being spent for the extension of the airstrip would the airport be another white elephant? Is the MB more interested in mega projects? Will this mega projects provide more contracts and monies for cronies? The MB should rather address the real costs and returns on the investments?

Less then 10 years ago the airport was up graded at a cost of more then RM10 million. Now with the expected amount of RM40 million to be spent all this is a waste of public funds as the airport is under utilized. Wouldn't a prudent investor know the returns in upgrading the airport?

Unfortunately the existing airport has been constructed without much thought. Many don't use the airport as it's more convenient to use the high way which is more convenient and cheaper.

(19/12/2006)