Tioman airport extension off

Tioman airport extension off

Sun, Mar 08, 2009
The Star/Asia News Network
By SIMON KHOO

KUANTAN, Malaysia: The proposal to build a new RM120mil ($49.99 mil) airport on Tioman Island for bigger aircraft has been called off, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.

Ong said the ministry decided this recently after considering various factors, particularly the impact on the environment.

"I have personally gone through each and every report pertaining to the pros and cons of the project.

"We are instead proposing to upgrade the present airport to cater for ATR (turboprop) aircraft," he said after opening the Indera Mahkota MCA division new office here yesterday.

Ong said an allocation would be sought under the 10th Malaysia Plan for the new proposal.

"I would like to stress that the decision to cancel the project was due to the negative impact on the environment, particularly corals and marine life and not due to pressure from certain quarters."

He said a new environment impact assessment study would be carried out.

The construction of the new airport on reclaimed land in Kampung Paya, some 2km from Kampung Tekek, was supposed to have commenced in 2004.

However, the project drew strong protests from villagers and chalet operators in Kampung Paya, Kampung Genting and Kampung Mukut.

On another matter, Ong said the ministry would embark on a plan to rebrand Malaysia's many ports to enhance international competitiveness.

He said several had already make it to the top 20 international ranking such as Port Klang (West Port and North Port), Tanjung Pelepas, Penang, Kemaman-Kuantan and Bintulu.

"Port business is getting very competitive due to the emerging of many new ports in the region. We need to look at country rebranding to position our ports in the midst of international competition."

He said Kuantan Port had the potential to be listed in the top 20 and plans were in the pipeline to upgrade its facilities under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) masterplan.

"To attract bigger vessels to dock, a breakwater and capital dredging project must be carried out in Kuantan Port," he said, adding that he would personally go to the ground to expedite its development.

On party matters, Ong, who is also MCA president, said he would dedicate more of his time on his work instead of getting involved in party politicking.

"My comrades and the grassroots have been sending me text messages to cheer me up over the unpleasant developments in the party of late.

"They had given their reassurance they will stand solidly behind us - the leadership - to tide over the difficulties ahead." -The Star/ANN