Robert 0 Report post Posted March 10, 2009 The first of a few news items I have come across over the last week. I thought this was old news however - From last Sunday's Star Sunday March 8, 2009 Tioman airport extension off By SIMON KHOO KUANTAN: The proposal to build a new RM120mil 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.” Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamizi Hj Tamby 1 Report post Posted March 10, 2009 Although the plan for the extension of Tioman Island Airport was called off due to the EIA (Environment Assesment Report);however Kuantan Airport will be extended. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Simon 3 Report post Posted March 11, 2009 Good, project called off safe the environment and marine life. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan B. 5 Report post Posted March 11, 2009 Thank God! Finally some sense. It needs good SToL aircraft that's all, not a another bloody white elephant of an airport Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tamizi Hj Tamby 1 Report post Posted March 11, 2009 Thank God! Finally some sense. It needs good SToL aircraft that's all, not a another bloody white elephant of an airport I'm agree with you,bro. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kandiah k 0 Report post Posted March 11, 2009 Although the plan for the extension of Tioman Island Airport was called off due to the EIA (Environment Assesment Report);however Kuantan Airport will be extended. Why does the KUANTAN airport need an extension ? FY will stop its PEN-KUA-PEN route and AK has stopped their KUL-KUA-KUL route, its only left with MH's KUL-KUA-KUL and FY's SZB-KUA-SZB and KUA-SIN-KUA as well as the other military aircrafts using the airport. It will be interesting to know why Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ashmil Abd Ghani 0 Report post Posted March 11, 2009 Why does the KUANTAN airport need an extension ? FY will stop its PEN-KUA-PEN route and AK has stopped their KUL-KUA-KUL route, its only left with MH's KUL-KUA-KUL and FY's SZB-KUA-SZB and KUA-SIN-KUA as well as the other military aircrafts using the airport. It will be interesting to know why Allow me to add one more fact here..Don't forget that TGG had expand runways and terminal building to cater B747 and others WB planes..So I personally think it sufficient enough for East Coast Peninsular of Malaysia region..And Petro-Chemical Industry at Gebeng I feel it dont required a frequent cargo shipment.. So extension of KUA is not on top of priority list project under current economic situation to me.. So goes to me,, wonder why gomen want to expand this KUA airport project... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
