[ad_1]
PUTRAJAYA: The Kulim International Airport (KXP) project has only been approved “in principle” and is still subject to feasibility studies, says the Transport Ministry.
His Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong (Photo) on Friday (October 30) said that approval in principle was subject to further consideration by the ministry and other government agencies.
These include the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of the Interior, the Department of the Environment, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), among others.
“The National Physical Planning Council (NPPC) chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on October 27 simply approved in principle the proposal for the KXP development project.
“The proposal is also subject to the findings of the National Airports Strategic Plan (NASP), which will begin in early 2021 for the 42 existing airports in the country and those in the proposal stage.
“The KXP project owner will then be asked to provide pertinent information to NASP consultants with realistic and accurate projections, especially in relation to the demands for passenger and cargo services, and the airlines that have committed to KXP, particularly during the post-Covid-19 era.
“Final approval for the KXP development proposal will only be considered upon completion of the NASP study and in compliance with all the preconditions established by the agencies involved, which are noted in technical reports such as Environmental Impact Assessments, Social Impact Assessments , traffic impact assessments, among others, ”Dr. Wee said in a statement.
He added that although the ministry welcomed the proposals of state governments and the private sector to build airports, it had a duty to ensure that the projects were viable and sustainable, as well as to comply with all the technical requirements established by the CAAM and the Commission of Malaysian Aviation. (Mavcom).
The foundation for the KXP development project, he said, was to complement the passenger and cargo handling provided by Penang International Airport (PEN).
“It is prudent to review the proposed KXP development at a time when PEN is approaching full handling capacity.
“Therefore, passenger and cargo demands must be based on robust and reliable facts and data that take into account PEN’s maximum capacity and the viability of the KXP project,” he added.
Dr. Wee was responding to a statement by Kedah Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor that the KXP construction had been officially approved during the NPPC meeting chaired by Muhyiddin.
In response, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the KXP project had only been presented to the NPPC for advice, adding that the Ministry of Transport had said that no decision would be made until the study was completed. of the NASP.
[ad_2]
