By P. Chandra Sagaran
The federal government had announced a special gift in the form of a RM60 million allocation for the expansion of the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here.
The airport had reached the maximum capacity of handling 512,000 passengers last year 2024.
The current capacity is 500,000.
A 1.62ha land allocated by Perak State Development Corporation adjacent to the airport would be developed for cargo handling.
Ipoh City Council had set aside RM4 million to upgrade entry and exit roads at the airport.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the project is a special Chinese New Year gift from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the people and state government of Perak.
Nga together with Anwar and other dignitaries had earlier attended the Perak Chinese Chamber Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) Chinese New Year Open House at WEIL Hotel here on January 31.
Earlier PCCCI President Datuk Liew Chee Ming in his speech hoped that the federal government will assist the state government to develop the airport as a regional airport in South East Asia.
Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad state exco members, elected representatives and government officials.
They also tossed the Yee Sang to bring good luck and prosperity in the Year of the Snake.
The attendees were entertained to dances and performances including lion dance.
A video on the activities of PCCI was also screened.