MCA wants Penang to oppose proposed Kulim airport project

 

The Penang state government should oppose the proposed construction of the Kulim International Airport (KXP) in Kedah as it could jeopardise the water supply to Penang, said Penang MCA.

In a statement today, Penang MCA spokesperson Tang Heap Seng (above) said the DAP-led state government was indifferent to the airport project, thus disappointing the people of Penang.

"As it was recently reported, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the KXP indicated that the project may pollute Sungai Muda, the main source of water intake for Penang, thus, endangering the water supply to Penang.

"Why doesn’t the Penang state government protest it to the Kedah government?" questioned the Bukit Bendera MCA chief.

"The airport may also threaten the status of Penang International Airport, which is actively providing air freight cargo services to factories at the Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone.

"If Kulim International Airport is to be completed, I believe many factories will relocate to Kulim, causing Penang to lose its investment appeal," he added.

He urged the DAP-led Penang state government to confront the Kedah state government as soon as possible to oppose the project.

"Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow should take immediate action to protect the people of Penang," Tang said.

For the record, Chow was reportedly saying in March that Penang was considering taking the Kedah government to court over the matter.

On Aug 2, the Kedah government signed a joint venture agreement with ECK Group to build the KXP by 2026. The first phase of construction would cost RM6 billion including the cost of land acquisition.

According to the EIA, the project on 3,982ha of land consists of several parts - the airport and airport city, an aerotropolis (a business and industrial park), an aerospace and logistical hub, and other developments, including roads and flood mitigation.

The project will be located adjacent to two sections of the riverbanks of Sungai Muda, a primary source of water for South Kedah and Penang since 1974.

The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has cautioned against the KXP project, as it may jeopardise the water supply to Penang.

PBAPP said the EIA of the proposed project shows it may contaminate Sungai Muda, which supplies water to South Kedah and neighbouring Penang. - Mkini