Kulim airport will complement, not compete with Penang, says Kedah councillor
State Industry and Investment Committee chairman Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah said the state's vision for a dedicated cargo airport was not intended to compete with Penang, but to complement it while positioning Kedah as a hub for northern regional development.
"However, the federal government still views this project as if it is solely for Kedah, when in fact, we see it as a catalyst for northern regional development covering Kedah, Perlis, Penang and northern Perak.
"This is a large and high-potential region that deserves federal support," he said at a press conference after a town hall with the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK) and industrial players here.
Also present was PKNK chief executive officer Datuk Isahak Murat.
Haim said the state's push for the project was within national interest.
"Kedah is not just for Kedah, Kedah is for Malaysia. We hope the federal government can see the strategic position of the state in becoming an industrial development hub supported by infrastructure such as this cargo airport."
He said six of the eight requirements for the project had been met, with only two outstanding, namely, obtaining the aerodrome licence and securing the airport's inclusion in the National Aerospace Strategic Plan.
The state government, he added, had also submitted other proposals to Putrajaya for consideration in 13MP.
"Many projects, whether related to logistics such as roads, airports and ports, or other aspects of economic development in Kedah, need to be prioritised and expedited," he said.
In the town hall, Haim said the issues raised by industrial players were matters that could be addressed through the involvement and commitment of the relevant agencies.
"This initiative by PKNK is commendable. The most important step after this session is to compile the list of issues and channel them to the relevant agencies. From there, we will obtain feedback on the timeframe for resolving these matters," he added.
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