[UPDATED] No plan to sell Subang airport to anyone, MAHB owns land lease till 2067: MoF

KUALA LUMPUR – The government has no plans to sell any airport assets in Malaysia, including Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, better known as Subang airport, to any party, said the Finance Ministry.

“Airport properties are considered the government’s strategic assets,” it said in a statement today.

The ministry said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) owns the lease to the land on which the airport sits for 60 years, until 2067.

The airport is among 39 under MAHB’s management, in line with the operations agreement signed between the government and company in 2009, said the statement.

“MAHB is not the owner of any of the airport assets. To date, MAHB is still the party entrusted to develop the assets surrounding Subang airport.”

The ministry said part of the airport has been leased by MAHB to Subang Skypark Sdn Bhd for a 30-year period until 2037, including the management of Terminal 3, the car park and the hangarage.

“Any effort to maximise the asset value of Subang airport will not involve the sale of property,” added the statement.

Towards this end, the ministry advised all parties against spreading fake news and rumours on the matter, and said the government will not hesitate to act against those who continue to do so.

Separately, the Transport Ministry said as per its statement on May 7, the government does not bar external parties from submitting proposals to redevelop existing projects or develop new assets.

“However, no decision has been made by the cabinet to approve any proposal to sell any part of Subang airport to the private sector, as alleged by certain quarters.”

It said the operating rights, and the rights under the lease agreement granted to MAHB to operate, manage and maintain, including to occupy, use and control, Subang airport, remain valid until 2034 and 2067, respectively.

“MAHB is responsible for developing Subang airport as an international aerospace hub, as per the cabinet decision on March 2, 2005. No decision has been made to alter this condition.”

The ministry said the government understands and reiterates that great care and deliberation must be undertaken before any final decision is made regarding a significant strategic public asset that affects thousands of Malaysians, such as Subang airport.

“The public is urged to cease propagating misinformation on this matter. Action will be taken against the parties responsible.”

Following the ministries’ statements, MAHB chairman Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said: “On behalf of MAHB and its entire workforce, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the government, specifically the prime minister, finance minister and transport minister, on the most recent statements allowing MAHB to remain as operator of Subang airport.” – Bernama, June 25, 2021