PENANG should rise to the challenge when the proposed Kulim International Airport (KXP) comes into reality, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“We should not be afraid of challenges and competitions,” Lim (PH – Air Putih) said in reply to a question by Lee Khai Loon (PH – Machang Bubok) who asked about the creation of new airports through private financing initiatives and their impact on exisiting airports at the State Legislative Assembly sitting at Dewan Sri Pinang today.
“There will no doubt be an impact by the Kulim International Airport on Penang International Airport (PIA) in probably cargo trade and by Langkawi International Airport on Penang International Airport in passenger volume. But, we must have confidence in ourselves.”
Lim said anyone could suggest building airports anywhere, but the most important factor was whether the project was feasible in terms of financial capability and technical requirements.
He stressed that the Kulim International Airport would be constructed under a private financing initiative and there was no reason for Putrajaya to stop it.
The project has generated much interest in the northern region, especially for industry players in Kedah, while Penang is more concerned about the impact it will have on its state economy.
Lim said the expansion of the PIA should go ahead without any hindrances as the tourist arrivals of 8 million had exceeded its capacity of 6.5 million a year.
To continue to boost Penang’s image, Lim suggested that the name of the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) be maintained instead of being renamed as Penang Marathon next year by the organisers.
The organisers, on their part, want to rename it because of a rebranding exercise to attract more international runners.
He said having marathon on a bridge is unique to the state, so it is better to retain it as Penang Bridge International Marathon because of its reputation.
In response to Lim’s suggestion, Heng Lee Lee (PH – Berapit) said the Penang Bridge International Marathon was a meaningful event and the organisers should reconsider their decision to rename it.
This year’s PBIM, which will be held on Nov 24 at Queensbay Mall car park, has attracted 25,000 participants under three categories.
A total of almost RM270,000 is up for grabs by the top 10 winners of each category. On top of that, a Honda Jazz or Axia car and other prizes are also offered in a lucky draw for the participants.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis & Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Chan Kok Kuan