Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said the state government approved the project in April, Bernama reported.

The route would be slightly longer but it would take road users less time to travel as it avoids the hills and the project would help reduce road accidents.

Last week, five university students were burned to death in their car after a collision with two trailer-lorries near Kuala Kangsar.

Saarani said the company would take two years to obtain a financier and to carry out land acquisition.

Saarani did not identify the firm behind the project, but checks showed that a project for the West Ipoh Span Expressway financed entirely by East Coast Road Sdn Bhd.

The RM5.75 billion toll highway will be a dual three-lane carriageway with a dedicated motorcycle lane. Three interchanges, at Gopeng, Siputeh and Kuala Kangsar, and four rest and service areas will be built.