THE Penang government is ready to assist the Federal Government in terms of land acquisition if the capacity expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) is raised from 12 million passengers to 16 million passengers per annum.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state would help out in terms of relocation efforts involving government quarters, a primary school and other buildings in the vicinity of the airport in Bayan Lepas if a larger expansion is required.
“This is what the state can do under its responsibility. When we have completed the land issue, then the state will inform the Transport Ministry (MOT) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
“It is better to upgrade the airport to 16 million capacity as the proposed 12 million capacity is easily reached.
“We will do our part in assisting the Federal Government,” Chow said in a reply to Goh Choon Aik (PH – Bukit Tambun) during the State Legislature Assembly in Dewan Sri Pinang.
Goh had in his oral question asked Chow (PH – Padang Kota) on the state’s purview and role in PIA expansion.
Apart from that, Goh also asked why the Federal Government does not intend to continue with the expansion.
To this, Chow pointed out that MOT and MAHB intend to proceed with PIA expansion but they are now waiting for the Federal Government to carry out National Airport Strategic Plan (NASP) study.
“In fact, I have proposed to MOT during a meeting that priority be given to airport expansion in the northern region,” he said, adding that the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) still has yet to give any green light on the construction of Kulim International Airport (KXP).
Chow, in his written reply to Goh, said he had a meeting with Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong on Aug 27 this year to discuss PIA expansion, ferry services in the state and Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT).
“At this point in time, the state does not plan to manage the ferry services. Its operation is now carried out by Rapid Ferry Sdn Bhd.
“During the meeting, the state has been informed of a proposal that the ferry operation be undertaken by Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB). However, the plan is yet to be decided by MOT,” added Chow.
Chow, in his written reply to Ong Khan Lee (PH – Kebun Bunga), said the state has yet to decide whether to come out with any economic stimulus packages for next year, 2022 and 2023.
“If there is a need, the package will be drafted in view of the Covid-19 impact and actions to be taken by Penang Socio Economic Recovery Consultative Council (PSERCC),” he said.
Chow, in his written reply to Gooi Hsiao Leung (PH – Bukit Tengah), reiterated that the special motion to declare the seats of four assemblymen, who violated the state’s anti-hopping law, would not be tabled at the current State Legislature Assembly.
He said the state has decided so after considering public health and safety as its top priority following the spike of Covid-19 cases recently.
Chow, however, said the state government would table the motion in subsequent Assembly meeting or when the situation gets better in the future.