GEORGE TOWN – The Transport Ministry will fast-track plans to expand the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas on the island, with completion scheduled within the next four years.
Its minister Anthony Loke, who is on a working visit to Penang, said that the state will receive prompt attention by the ministry, with tenders to be issued within this year to begin the expansion drive.
The passenger capacity will be doubled from the present 6.5 million per annum to 12 million within the four years, Loke told a press conference here.
Also present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state executive councillors Yeoh Soon Hin and Zairil Khir Johari, respectively in charge of the tourism and infrastructure portfolios.
Loke also said that the Penang airport will soon be handing passengers at over-capacity, with 8.3 million per annum this year.
It had touched such a figure in 2019 and recorded 4.2 million passengers last year, which is impressive, considering that the state was just emerging from the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“The project is fully funded by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, because the airport here is commercially viable and returns from investment are attainable,” said Loke.
Loke also said that the airport will be built on the existing landbank in Bayan Lepas, with only the air traffic tower relocated to make space.
There will not be any reclamation or land acquisition involved to facilitate the expansion, he said.
Be patient, original ferries revival being studied: Loke
Besides visiting the airport on his working trip, Loke will attend a briefing by Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), the operator of the third largest port in the country, where he will be updated on the cross-channel ferry service.
He will then ride the ETS KTM rail service to KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur this evening.
The new ferries purchased by PPSB will debut by August 1. The four vessels can ferry pedestrians and motorcycles, Loke said.
Asked about restoring the iconic original double-decker ferries, Loke said that the ministry is studying in what form such works will take – either as a tourism cruise or back to its workhorse days as a normal link between George Town and Butterworth.
“The ferries are with us and we will study what to do with them. We ask all quarters to be patient,” said Loke.
He admitted that there is a move to lobby for the restoration of the iconic ferry services but noted that this requires time, as the PPSB has renovated the two ferry terminals to accommodate the new ferries.
Loke also praised Penang for pushing the public transport agenda, which saw the state paying RapidPenang public bus service provider up to RM13.7 million to provide free shuttle bus services here this year.
It also gave out 150,000 free ride passes of which 13,000 are being utilised by commuters here.
There is room to increase public transport utilisation in Penang, as currently only 5% of road users rely on such a service. – The Vibes, March 1, 2023
