The Pahang state government welcomes the willingness of Berjaya Group executive chairperson Vincent Tan to build an airport in Pulau Tioman using his own expenses.

Chairperson of the State Committee on Tourism, Environment, Plantations and Biotechnology, Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin said, however, the state government must listen to the full proposal from Tan before giving its decision.

"The state government adopts an investor-friendly attitude and always welcomes those interested parties, but we must look at the proposal in detail and in a comprehensive manner.

“We know that the construction of an airport involves high cost and we want to listen first to his proposal and what sort of contribution was required from the state government,” he said when contacted today.

Mohd Sharkar was commenting on the media report today that Tan had expressed his willingness to build the airport on the resort island using his own expenses, estimated to cost around RM1.1 billion to RM1.2 billion.

Tan, who also owns the Cardiff City football club, added that the practice of using one’s own expenses aimed to reduce the government’s financial burden in view of the current financial situation.

The airport, if implemented, would be managed by the government but he needed the agreement and land for the construction of the airport.

Mohd Sharkar said although he was happy with the offer, the state government would still place importance on the issue of the environment in the construction of the airport in Pulau Tioman.

“The construction of the airport there had long been proposed, but had not been implemented due to the environmental issue, we must ensure that the method used and the airport itself did not bring about negative impact (to the environment).

"We need to get the views and approvals from the Department of Environment, Marine Department as well as the views of those involved,” he added.

For the record, the proposed construction of the airport on Pulau Tioman has been made since 2003.

-- Bernama