PENANG will go ahead with a feasibility study on having a new airport on reclaimed land by the side of Batu Maung, even as Kedah has voiced its intention to build the Kulim International Airport (LTAK).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow acknowledged that there were concerns about Kedah’s proposal and the impact it might have on both sides.
“The proposal to have a second airport in or out of Penang is not something new. It has been mooted a decade or two ago,” Chow said after attending the Penang Development Corporation Chinese New Year open house in Bayan Baru today.
Chow was responding to a reporter’s question whether Penang would lose its international airport status if the Kulim International Airport comes into being.
Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir was reported to have said that Kedah had obtained approval from the Federal Government to develop the new RM1.6 billion airport in Kulim.
Mukhriz also said a special entity, called KXP Airport City Holdings Sdn Bhd, had been set up to plan, coordinate and manage the development of LTAK.
Chow said Penang has raised the issue of having a new airport on reclaimed land with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).
“Just this week, we have received the response from NCIA that they are willing to do a study but they need to get a budget from the ministry.
“So, we have decided in the state exco meeting that if they cannot come out with the budget, the state would finance the study.
“Of course, the study will also have to look at Kulim or any other proposals in the northern region for a second airport.
“I was told by Anthony Loke, the Minister of Transport, that they have not approved anything.”
Chow said Mukhriz did seek Penang’s support for the establishment of the Kulim airport late last year when the latter came to visit him.
“He said they wanted to build a cargo airport. We did not say we support or reject their proposal.
“We asked for a copy of their feasibility study and when we saw it, it clearly shows a passenger airport, not a cargo airport.”
Chow opined that if the airport is to cater to primary products, a seaport would be more suitable and if it is for electronic products, he believes the airport in Bayan Lepas is serving the industry very well.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud