VARIOUS agencies have come together to share their input on the Penang International Airport (PIA) expansion project today.
During the over 60-minute meeting, agencies and authorities such as Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the Immigration Department, the Customs Department and other relevant state personnel highlighted several matters pertaining to the expansion project.
This came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced the PIA expansion in the Budget 2023. The project is to be spearheaded by MAHB.
MAHB managing director Iskandar Mizal Mahmood, who conducted the briefing session, said his team was geared up for the expansion project.
“PIA is the third busiest airport in the country after Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
“We welcome the premier’s announcement to upgrade the airport in Penang. We have various plans in the pipeline.
“Our scopes include the need to upgrade the main terminal, building works, as well as the landside and airside infrastructure works,” he said in his briefing at the airport VIP Lounge today. Among those present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Various issues concerning the airport were highlighted. They included its cleanliness, baggage scanning duration, land acquisition matters, parking, and traffic issues in the vicinity of the airport.
Iskandar said MAHB would collaborate with the other relevant agencies to ensure a smoother expansion process for the airport.
He said that the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has given green light since 2019.
Chow expressed his hope that MAHB could also collaborate with the Penang Development Corporation (PDC).
“The two parties, MAHB and PDC, can discuss more concerning land acquisition matters of the land near the airport.
“Engagement is important to ensure everything goes well,” he said.
Loke took note of MAHB’s presentation and looked forward to the project.
Among those present at the meeting were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and MAHB chairman Tan Sri Zainun Ali.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar