A senior PAS leader has echoed concerns about potential environmental damage from business tycoon Vincent Tan's proposed Pulau Tioman airport project.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party will reject the Berjaya Corp Bhd founder's offer to build the airport for free, if it required reclaiming land from the sea.
"It is undeniable that the development offer estimated to cost RM1.2 billion to be fully funded by Berjaya Group is very tempting.
"But if it has to involve land reclamation, then it is not worth it," said the Kubang Kerian MP in a statement.
The former Pahang PAS state commissioner further urged the state government under BN to be strict in protecting the beauty and safety of the island.
"Pulau Tioman is an important tourism asset for Pahang that is very valuable because of its beauty.
"Do not sacrifice everything due to viewing the project from just an economic aspect," he cautioned.
Tuan Ibrahim also reiterated that Tan would need to look into alternative ways to expand the airport if the plan was launched.
Malaysian Airport Holdings Bhd managing director Badlisham Ghazali yesterday said a similar plan had been rejected in the past due to environmental concerns, since the proposal may involve extending the existing abandoned airport runway into the sea through land reclamation.
The airport regulator was responding to Tan's reported offer last week that he would help the government with its national debt by building an airport on the island for free.
The Pahang state government had previously welcomed Tan's latest offer, but said they would first have to listen to his full proposal before making a decision.
Berjaya Air serviced Tioman's sole airport in Kampung Tekek until 2014. Since then, only chartered flights are available. -Mkini
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