IPOH: A study is being conducted whether the ferry terminal at Hutan Melintang will be reopened as the country's international borders open on Friday (April 1).

       Perak Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said the state needs to look into several aspects before allowing the terminal to be opened.

       "As of now, there are no decisions (to open it).

       "But there is a possibility that it will be opened, pending a study," he said in a press conference after a ground-breaking ceremony for a road project that connects Klebang and Meru Raya at Lebuh Klebang Putra here on Thursday (March 30).

       "We will need to look at the aspects of safety, suitability, time and other factors," he said, adding that he understood that the terminal was a common gateway for Indonesians to travel between Malaysia and their country.

       In an unrelated matter, Mohd Zolkafly said talks are still underway between the state and federal governments, and a concessionaire on building an alternative expressway from Gopeng to Kuala Kangsar to bypass the Menora Tunnel.

       "There are still some technical aspects of the matter that need to be discussed.

       "We do hope it can start soon. The commitment from the concessionaire is that they can begin this year," he said.

       Last year, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said they had received a proposal from a private construction company to build the alternative expressway to Kuala Kangsar.

       The proposed expressway would be able to divert traffic during peak season or accidents near the tunnel.