I have stressed many times that Penang needs a much bigger international airport for its future because the best way into Penang from overseas is through the air. (PIA) Earlier article way back in 2016 here: Penang International Airport, what’s next? Well, I did not have that many supporters even among Penangites. Perhaps now there is really a need to think about it seriously and include this as part and parcel of the PTMP? Yeah, it has been announced that Kulim International Airport is already approved and that a body known as KXP AirportCity Holdings Sdn Bhd has been set up to plan, coordinate and manage the development of Kulim International Airport (KXP?) Article in thestar.com.my
In case everyone is still wondering what’s the impact, consider this. Penang International Airport (PIA) is already reaching its maximum capacity. There’s now a new international airport just 30 minutes away from Butterworth and actually less than 30 minutes away from mainland Penang. A new international airport will most probably be loss making for many years while flights and passengers increase over the years. Question is, will the federal government be building TWO new international airports in two neighbouring states and allow both to compete for the same flights and passengers and incurring losses at both sides for a longer period of time? So, new flights which could not be accommodated in PIA could be started from the KXP instead? At this moment, no one knows for sure.
Article in thestar.com.my Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow shared a number of concerns on the proposed airport in Kulim in terms of its impact on Penang. “It had been mooted a decade or two ago, but this time it looks quite serious in that the feasibility study was done and a special purpose company has been set up.” He added, “And (Kedah) Mentri Besar (Datuk Seri Muhkriz Mahathir) had paid Penang a visit to convey Kedah’s position on two matters, one on the Ulu Muda catchment issue, while the other on seeking our support for the Kulim International Airport. At the meeting, we did not say if we supported or rejected the proposal.” According to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, the Kedah state government had been granted approval to build the new RM1.6 billion airport in Kuala Muda. Chow said the state government will conduct a study for the possibility of a new international airport by the side of Batu Maung. Article in thestar.com.my
A new international airport is definitely needed, whether it’s for Kulim (due to the Kulim High Tech park’s continuous expansion and beyond) or Penang’s future. The question is how to make both these international airports work together instead of competing against one another. Hopefully, this ‘integration’ is done in advance instead of allowing both states to go solo. By the way, all these will affect the future of the property market too because it’s all about economic growth. Happy working together MB of Kedah and CM of Penang. Remember Together Everyone Achieves More (T.E.A.M). Cheers.
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Article written and edited by Charles. News article summarised by Dina Batrisyia.
written on 14 Feb 2019
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