pic by TMR FILE
NO APPROVAL has been given to establish an aerodrome for the Kulim International Airport (KXP) project as provided under the Civil Aviation (Aerodrome Operation) Regulations 2016, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (picture).
He also stated that the proposed construction of KXP is also subject to the National Airport Strategic Plan Review (NASP), where the project proponent (Kedah state government) will be asked to provide information to the NASP consulting team on realistic and accurate projections, which is currently underway.
The final approval of the project is only considered when the NASP study has been completed, as well as compliance with all conditions set by other government agencies.
He was responding to a query by Tanjong MP and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who had asked about the rationale behind the proposed construction of the airport so close to Sungai Muda and the Aerotropolis project, which is located only 6km from the Lahar Tiang inlet.
Dr Wee also said that the KXP project is only in the preliminary stage as the National Physical Planning Council has only approved the principle of the project.
The approval of this principle is subject to an application for consideration from the Ministry of Transport and several other government agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs and several other government agencies.