{
  "id": 2973167,
  "title": "Key WISE expressway project in Perak secures RM5.55bil funding",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/key-wise-expressway-project-in-perak-secures-rm5-55bil-funding",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T07:15:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/08/1517770/key-wise-expressway-project-perak-secures-rm555bil-funding"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Perak, the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE) project has secured RM5.55 billion in funding, according to Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. The funding was confirmed by Hong Leong Bank, and land acquisition work has already commenced, Saarani stated during a customer engagement event at Dewan Jubli Perak. The 60km project, which will link Gopeng to Kuala Kangsar, aims to alleviate congestion on the congested Menora Tunnel section of the North-South Expressway. The WISE highway is a private financing initiative, separate from government funding, and has faced delays since its Cabinet approval in December 2023. Following the signing of a concession agreement with East Coast Road Sdn Bhd in September 2024, the project is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate movement across Perak once completed.",
  "summary": "KUALA KANGSAR: Funding amounting to RM5.55 billion for the West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE) has been secured, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}