Scoot urged to increase flight frequency to Ipoh

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has made a compelling plea to the renowned Singaporean low-cost airline, Scoot, requesting an expansion of their flight services between Singapore and Ipoh.

Loke who spoke to reporters after attending the 22nd Perak DAP annual convention at a hotel here yesterday spoke at length on the frequency of Scoot flights to Ipoh and expansion plans of Sultan Azlan Shah Aiport.

Daily Scoot flights to Ipoh

The Star reported that the minister’s call is primarily aimed at improving connectivity during weekends and festive seasons, addressing the needs of many Perakians who commute between the two locations.

“We know there are many Perakians in Simpang Pulai, Bercham and within the Kinta Valley area who work in Singapore and return to Ipoh during the festive seasons,” said Loke.

“I believe that by adding more flights, it will help to boost the country and the state’s economy,” he added.

Scoot, is a Singaporean low-cost airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. Currently it operates daily flights to Ipoh with varying frequency.

It began its operations on 4 June 2012 on medium and long-haul routes from Singapore, predominantly to various airports throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Expansion of Sultan Azlan Shah Airport

Loke also shared insights on the potential construction of a new airport in Ipoh. He underscored the importance of deliberations in the National Physical Planning Council (NPPC/MPFN) before pursuing such an ambitious project.

Loke expressed his preference for the practical approach of expanding the existing Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh, rather than initiating the construction of a new one nearby, with its associated time and resource demands.

“The construction of a new airport will take a very long time. What needs to be done now is to find ways to upgrade the Ipoh airport for the tourism industry,” he asserted.

He added that while the idea of constructing a new airport in Seri Iskandar had been proposed, it has yet to materialize due to the protracted approval process. The Transport Minister emphasised the importance of obtaining approval from the National Physical Planning Council before any construction efforts can commence.

In early October, the Menteri Besar of Perak Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, reiterated the significance of enhancing the aviation infrastructure in the state. The proposal for an international airport in Seri Iskandar awaits approval from the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

The project, which received preliminary agreement from the state and federal governments earlier this year, is poised to occupy a substantial 1,618.74-hectare plot of land. Colebrand International Limited, a UK-based infrastructure engineering firm, conducted an assessment of this project.

The proposed airport, located near Felcra Nasaruddin, covers an expansive area of 1,618 hectares and is envisaged to provide an economic stimulus for the state of Perak.