KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 16): The government has not provided its final approval for the development of Kulim International Airport (KXP), pending the completion of the National Airport Strategic Plan (NASP) in August this year.

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) said the study on NASP began in March last year and was expected to take 18 months to complete.

“This study involves all 42 existing airports and will also examine the proposed construction of a new airport,” said the ministry in a Dewan Rakyat written reply dated Feb 15.

The MOT was responding to a question from Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PAS-Alor Setar), who requested the latest status on the approval for the development of KXP and Kedah Aerotropolis at Sidam, Kedah.

MOT said until Thursday (Feb 16), no approval was given for the establishment of an aerodrome for the KXP project, with the developer yet to submit the development’s Traffic Impact Assessment report, Social Impact Assessment report and Environmental Impact Assessment report to the government.

“MOT is always open to any proposals from private developers and state governments in relation to developing public infrastructure that are more competent from an economic point of view and improve consumer experience.

“Nonetheless, these proposals to build new airports in Malaysia have to be truly viable, sustainable and fulfil the latest technical and commercial requirements set by CAAM (Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia) and Mavcom (Malaysian Aviation Commission),” said the ministry.

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