ALOR STAR: Kulim is poised to be a Smart City by 2020 complete with a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system and a regional airport.

The proposals for such mega projects are included in the Kulim Local Plan draft dubbed Kulim 2020, drawn up by the Town and Country Planning Department.

The proposed LRT system from Bertam in North Seberang Prai to Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah through Padang Serai will complement the development of Penang's integrated transport network, said development planning unit 1 project manager Mohd Sharif Che Din.

A regional airport for light and medium aircraft has been proposed in Padang Meha, he said.

“The proposed airport will not create air traffic conflict because it is located 50km away from the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas and 100km away from the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Star.

“It will cater for private jets, community airline services such as Malaysia Airlines' FireFly and medium-sized cargo planes,” he said.

Other proposed mega projects to boost development in Kulim include the Central Spine Highway, South Kedah Highway (LEKAS), a spacious 112.22ha container depot in Padang Meha and an extended railway system linking Penang to Kulim.

The Central Spine Highway is part of the Kedah Structure Plan to construct an alternative central highway stretching from Jitra in the north to Bandar Baru in the south.

LEKAS will link the eastern part of Kulim to Selama in Perak through Mahang and Baling.

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