KUANTAN: A new airport in Pulau Tioman is still very much in the works as an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project has been submitted.
The new Tioman International Airport is planned for development in seven years, from 2024 to 2030, and will encompass an area of 186.36ha within the gazetted marine park boundary.
According to the EIA report, 76% of the area or 142.70ha will be reclaimed from the sea.
The project proponent is Tioman Infra Sdn Bhd.
“The proposed airport development involves the construction of a runway with dimensions of 2.5km in length and 45m in width, catering to Code 4C aircraft with a flight range from 5,100km to 6,100km.
“The project aims to cover flights to and from airports in Malaysia, Asean countries, eastern India, south to mid-China and west Australia.
“The site lies just off the coast between Kampung Paya and Kampung Genting that is separated by a low hillock or headland,” said the report.
It added that the Pahang exco had given its approval on Jan 28, 2020, while approval in principle was given by the National Physical Planning Council on Nov 16, 2020.
The social impact assessment was reported to have been approved on July 23, 2021.
The report said that among other potential impacts, physical damage and habitat loss for marine life might happen during the quarrying and reclamation phase while artificial lighting would disrupt coral photosynthesis activities during the operations phase.
To mitigate these impacts, the EIA said a marine conservation and rehabilitation plan would be implemented such as the relocation and propagation of coral.
Four relocation sites and two coral farms had been proposed for the plan to be carried out before the commencement of any construction works, it said.
As for potential socio-economic impacts, the report said that potential degradation of the marine ecosystem and biodiversity, especially off the Kampung Paya-Kampung Genting coasts, would reduce tourists to the area, causing hardships to resort and local business communities.
“It is recommended that incentives be offered in the form of tourist tax reductions to all resort operators and related businesses for at least the next five years,” it said.
In its conclusion, the EIA that the development of the project would cause both positive and negative impacts, as it was large and sensitive, not only to the local communities, but also to the environment because it would be located in a marine park.
“With judicious adoption of the recommended mitigation measures and best management practices, together with constant monitoring supported by proactive actions recommended in this detailed EIA, the adverse impacts can be controlled.
“On the positive side, there will be jobs of all skills and business opportunities available during all phases of development to the local communities, especially at this period when the whole economy is recovering from the unprecedented aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown, both locally and worldwide,” said the report.
In 2018, it was reported that Berjaya Group was planning to build the new airport at an estimated cost of RM1.2bil.
