THE state government is considering developing the Gerik military airstrip into a commercial airport to solve the problem of connectivity to the Royal Belum State Park.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the airstrip would be extended from its present length of 450m to 800m to allow the landing of Fokker aircrafts.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting on Wednesday, Dr Zambry said the issue of connectivity had always been a problem to get tourists to visit the park.

“The park is a world class destination waiting to be discovered and the only way to lure nature-loving tourists is to have better connectivity,” he said.
Treading carefully: Dr Zambry (right) and Perak exco member Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (centre) walking on a pontoon jetty at a check point of the Royal Belum State Park.

The state, he added, had approached Berjaya Air to fly to the state park once work on the airstrip was completed.

“Berjaya is chosen as it flies from Subang and serves island resorts in the country such as Pangkor,” he explained.

Dr Zambry, who wants to see sustainable development at the state park, said Royal Belum was nature’s treasure.

“Activities must be coordinated to ensure tourists have a meaningful and memorable experience,” he added.

There have also been suggestions to convert the many islands at the state park into unique places of interest with its wild orchids, herbs, and the Rafflesia, and animals.

In a related matter, Dr Zambry said effective from last month, entry permits into the state park were being processed and issued on the same day as compared to three days for Malaysian applicants and one week for foreigners before.

Dr Zambry also said the Royal Belum World Drum Festival would be held for the first time from Feb 21 to 26.

“Ten countries have confirmed their participation,” he said, hoping that the festival would further boost the popularity of Royal Belum at the international arena.- the star online