The Transport Ministry has denied any knowledge of any proposals to build a new airport in mainland Penang as reported on the front page of English daily, The Star today.
The ministry refuted claims it was invited to any discussion on the airports, adding that it never received any proposal papers.
“The power to build or operate an aerodrome or to permit any licensed company to build, maintain and operate an aerodrome is vested in the transport minister under Act 3 of the Civil Aviation Act.
"The transport ministry urged the media not to report any speculation related to the airport without proper verification from the ministry.
"The ministry is planning to upgrade the Penang airport in Bayan Lepas," it said.
The Transport Ministry was responding to The Star's report which quoted sources claiming that two companies had proposed to build a new airport in two locations in south Seberang Perai on mainland Penang.
One proposal – called North Malaysia International Airport (NMIA) – involves acquiring thousands of hectares of padi land.
The Northern Region International Airport (Noria) proposal, meanwhile, entails reclaiming 5,000ha off the coast of south Seberang Perai.
Both proposed locations are within 10km of each other.
The PIA was under scrutiny last month when news broke out of the soon to be build Kulim International Airport in Kedah by a private company.
The ministry's remarks came after Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was not aware of the two proposals.
However, he said he will any proposal to develop a new airport in the state or the region.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng had ticked off the The Star earlier, saying its report sowed confusion among communications and transport industry players, and called on the daily to show proof of its claims. -Mkini
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