IPOH: The Perak government will engage with AirAsia to understand the reasons behind the airline’s decision to cancel the Ipoh-Singapore route, according to Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

As the state’s infrastructure, energy, water, and public transport committee chairman, Mohammad Nizar emphasized that the government seeks to learn if AirAsia is facing any challenges and whether the state can offer assistance. On March 12, Perak's tourism, industry, investment, and corridor development committee chairman, Loh Sze Yee, had stated that the state was neither consulted nor informed before AirAsia announced the route termination.

Loh pointed out that data showed the route had consistently attracted a good number of passengers. “The route isn’t without passengers. The demand is there, so we want to understand if there are other factors involved,” he said. Discussions with AirAsia are expected to take place soon to explore the possibility of continuing the route.

The suspension of the Ipoh-Singapore route is part of a broader move by AirAsia to cancel 17 routes, as indicated on the airline’s travel notice.

In response to a question about traffic accident fatalities, Mohammad Nizar mentioned that Perak reported 640 deaths from accidents last year. The state ranks among the top five for accidents in Malaysia. Efforts are being made to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities, with a target to cut road deaths by 50% this year. He stressed that safety awareness programs, enforcement, and other initiatives have proven effective in reducing accidents, especially during festive seasons.

Motorcyclists account for 60% of road deaths in the state, and Mohammad Nizar urged the public not to treat roads as racetracks. He noted that certain hotspots, particularly on highways, federal roads, and council roads, have been identified for enhanced enforcement during the Hari Raya season. Officers from the Road Transport Department will be stationed at these locations to ensure safety.