Photo courtesy of Buletin Mutiara
As reported in The Star
As reported in Malay Mail
THE federal government has been asked to unveil the national airport master plan to facilitate state governments intending to propose additional airports and runways.
Air Itam assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said the master plan existed but was not unveiled publicly.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had mentioned about the existence of the master plan when he launched the klia2 recently.
“I have asked several MPs but they knew nothing about it. It seems everyone is in the dark about it,” Wong said.
“Thus, I am calling the federal government to tell us about the master plan.”
He said it was important for the national plan to be revealed as it would then enable state governments to engage in a more consultative process and integrated approach towards the matter.
“Although it exists, right now we do not know whether it was just actually a draft plan or a complete one.”
Wong said unveiling the master plan would enable participation from various sides which could benefit the project.
“It should not just be a top-down approach,” said Wong, adding Singapore and Hong Kong already had their national master plan outlined until year 2013 and Malaysia should follow suit.
He was referring to the recent debate over the proposed Kulim International Airport as proposed by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng over his proposed second runway.
Hong Kong, Wong said, had proposed to build its third runway by 2030 while Singapore plans to have its fourth from the present two in the same year.
“These two countries have already revealed their bold plans very much far ahead,” he said.
“Likewise, the federal government should do so. Having a plan to build an international airport should not be done on an ad hoc basis.
Addressing his concern, Wong said any airport built without massive planning would eventually be turned into a white elephant.
“There must be lots of consultations and planning in building an international airport,” he said.
Last month, Mukhriz said Kedah was set to have a new international airport that would boost economic growth.
His proposal was initially objected by Lim but the chief minister subsequently gave a “conditional blessing” for Kedah to have it in Kulim if Penang were given two runways and a cargo hub as well as the establishment of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub as in its expansion plan.
As reported in The Sun
As reported in The Star
As reported in Malay Mail
Reveal airport master plan, Putrajaya told
Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 09:11
Location:
GEORGETOWN
THE federal government has been asked to unveil the national airport master plan to facilitate state governments intending to propose additional airports and runways.
Air Itam assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said the master plan existed but was not unveiled publicly.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had mentioned about the existence of the master plan when he launched the klia2 recently.
“I have asked several MPs but they knew nothing about it. It seems everyone is in the dark about it,” Wong said.
“Thus, I am calling the federal government to tell us about the master plan.”
He said it was important for the national plan to be revealed as it would then enable state governments to engage in a more consultative process and integrated approach towards the matter.
“Although it exists, right now we do not know whether it was just actually a draft plan or a complete one.”
Wong said unveiling the master plan would enable participation from various sides which could benefit the project.
“It should not just be a top-down approach,” said Wong, adding Singapore and Hong Kong already had their national master plan outlined until year 2013 and Malaysia should follow suit.
He was referring to the recent debate over the proposed Kulim International Airport as proposed by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng over his proposed second runway.
Hong Kong, Wong said, had proposed to build its third runway by 2030 while Singapore plans to have its fourth from the present two in the same year.
“These two countries have already revealed their bold plans very much far ahead,” he said.
“Likewise, the federal government should do so. Having a plan to build an international airport should not be done on an ad hoc basis.
Addressing his concern, Wong said any airport built without massive planning would eventually be turned into a white elephant.
“There must be lots of consultations and planning in building an international airport,” he said.
Last month, Mukhriz said Kedah was set to have a new international airport that would boost economic growth.
His proposal was initially objected by Lim but the chief minister subsequently gave a “conditional blessing” for Kedah to have it in Kulim if Penang were given two runways and a cargo hub as well as the establishment of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub as in its expansion plan.
As reported in The Sun
Penang wants to see masterplan for airports
Posted on 2 July 2014 - 07:55pm
Wong Hon Wai, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's political secretary, said such a document was important to ensure equitable development.
He said a masterplan allowed both the federal and state governments as well as industries to plan policy matters and investments accordingly.
He said the document could also provide a framework for consultation purposes as such facilities were important for economic growth.
He said airports were an important piece of the economic puzzle and a masterplan could lay the groundwork for deeper communication between state administrators and federal officials.
"Show us the masterplan regarding airports," the Air Itam assemblyman said in a press conference today.
The call comes after Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir proposed an international airport to
be built in Kulim to cater to projected growth in the northern region.
Lim then countered with a call to expand the current Penang International Airport by building a second runway, creating an integrated cargo hub and establishing a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub.
No comments:
Post a Comment