KUALA LUMPUR – The construction of the proposed Kuantan International Airport in Gebeng, Pahang, has yet to receive the final nod from the federal government, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
This is despite Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail having announced that construction is scheduled to begin next year, before airport operations begin in 2026, with a development cost of RM2 billion.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong (Ayer Hitam-BN) explained that states must first obtain the minister’s approval before being allowed to construct an aerodrome, following which the project developer has to apply for an aerodrome operating licence.
In the context of Kuantan International Airport, Wee said while the National Physical Planning Council (NPPC) had agreed in principle last year for its construction, the state has yet to fulfil all due processes.
“They are in the process of preparing the necessary reports. However, no final approval has been given,” he said.
Wee was responding to a supplementary question from Anthony Loke Siew Fook (Seremban-PH) on why Pahang had superseded the federal government in announcing details of the development of a new airport there.
The DAP lawmaker pointed out that any construction of airports should first obtain final approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia under the Transport Ministry, and that states are not supposed to make announcements at their own whims.
In October last year, Wan Rosdy had said the federal government had no objection to plans for the proposed international airport in Gebeng, which will be part of the RM10 billion Pahang aerospace city project.
On July 7, the menteri besar announced the state’s plan to start construction by next year before opening for operations in 2026.
Meanwhile, Wee said the NPPC’s decision last year to provide initial approval for the new international airport in Pahang is based on the consideration that the state does not have its own one yet. – The Vibes, August 3, 2022
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