AFTER recently announcing that the proposed Penang International Airport (PIA) expansion project has been put on hold, the Transport Ministry has now requested the Penang government to arrange for a meeting to discuss on the said matter.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the decision to arrange for a meeting with the ministry came after he had attended a National Physical Planning Council (NPPC) meeting held recently in Putrajaya.
“During the meeting (NPPC), I had stressed the importance of the project and how it would benefit and cater to the airport’s increased passenger load before Covid-19 pandemic had hit us all.
“I did not say don’t do the study (National Airport Strategy Plan), but can you exclude the proposed PIA expansion project from it?
“This is because the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had already approved the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) planning permission last December, with upgrading works to be carried out in four phases,” said Chow during a press conference at the Penang Swimming Club today.
Chow thanked Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong for the prompt and positive response to have a meeting conducted in view of the state’s concern over the proposed expansion project.
“I will discuss with other state representatives to finalise a date before meeting with the ministry,” Chow added.
The Transport Ministry had recently announced that any proposal for a new airport development, including expansion or upgrading for that matter, would only be considered after the NASP study has been finalised.
It was recently reported in an English daily that the ministry wants to determine the direction of airport development in Malaysia in terms of their role, airspace requirements, as well as economic considerations so that the development of each airport is done based on actual needs.
The proposed PIA expansion project has been planned to increase its capacity from 6.5 million passengers per year to 12 million passengers.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Chan Kok Kuan