Up in the air: An artist impression of the terminal building of the proposed Kulim airport. The project has yet to take off.
PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry says the existing facilities at the Penang International Airport can still handle cargo and passenger demand based on the findings of the National Airport Strategic Plan (NASP) consultant.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry said it has no objection to the implementation of Kedah Aerotropolis MRO Centre of Excellence (Kaamroce) and Sidam Logistics Aerospace Manufacturing (Slam) as part of a mixed development under the Kedah Aerotropolis, but currently, there is no need for the development of a new airport.
The ministry also urged the Kedah government to use the existing Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Setar or Penang International Airport to support Kaamroce and Slam in efforts to expedite its implementation.
The statement clarifies the government’s stance on the issue surrounding the Kulim International Airport (KXP) following claims that the Federal Government is being oppressive in budget distribution, including the development of the KXP, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim refuted on Friday.
Currently, the ministry is conducting the NASP study which is expected to be completed by the end of this year that aims to determine the direction of airport development in Malaysia.
This is to ensure development is implemented based on actual needs supported by valid and accurate data.
“The Penang International Airport currently still has sufficient capacity to handle up to 20 million passengers per annum until 2042.
“Thus, the construction of KXP can only be considered after the Penang International Airport reaches the maximum capacity of 20 million projected in 2042.
“It should be emphasised that so far, there is no proposal for private participation capable of financing the cost of the KXP project,” according to the Transport Ministry, reported Bernama.
Comparing the KXP cargo projection provided by KXP Airportcity and the Penang International Airport projection provided by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, the ministry said the proposed KXP cargo projection was found to be quite high for a new airport, compared to the cargo projection at the already established Penang International Airport that has extensive air connectivity.
“Therefore, the ability of KXP as an international cargo airport based on the cargo projection provided by KXP Airportcity is debatable and unreliable,” said the Transport Ministry.
