THE Penang government has asked the Federal Government to clarify the status of the Kulim International Airport (KXP) if green light was given during the recently held National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) meeting.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who also took part in the meeting held via online on Oct 27, said the word approval would not necessarily be the correct one to describe the current scenario.
“During the meeting, KXP was tabled and MPFN had issued a list of advices that would require the Kedah government to comply with.
“It is best for the Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong or Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who chaired the meeting, to clarify if an approval was given for KXP to proceed,” said Chow during a brief press conference after launching ‘The Habitat-WhyteHouse Nature Classroom’ in The Habitat Penang Hill.
Chow, on behalf of the Penang government, is keen to know if an approval was really given or it would be similar case to the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, which was tabled for advice in April last year.
“During the meeting, the Transport Ministry had once again reiterated the position of the ministry that there would not be any consideration for any new airport projects until the National Airport Strategic Plan (NASP) is completed.
“Particularly for this project, there are a host of studies that need to be conducted, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA), which they have not started yet,” Chow added.
Chow also said apart from KXP just being tabled, to say that it was approved and works could start, would not be correct.
Chow then cited the PSR project as an example that could potentially mirror the current status of KXP.
“It is best for the Transport Ministry and the prime minister to take heed of this matter and clarify the news surrounding the KXP,” Chow added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting