The Penang government is in the dark about two proposals to develop a new airport in Seberang Perai, which would pose a threat to the existence of the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas.
Though noting that any proposal to develop a new airport in the state or the region would be welcome, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he had no knowledge of the two proposals.
"The state is unaware of the two new airport proposals as reported in The Star today," he said in a statement today.
Quoting sources, The Star reported that two companies have submitted proposals to build a new airport in two different locations in south Seberang Perai.
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 already under siege when news broke out about the soon to be built Kulim International Airport in Kedah by a private company.
Chow said the Penang government would go ahead with its plan to commission a study on the future needs of the airport in the state and surrounding regions.
He said Penang would wait for the proposals to be presented and provide its feedback thereafter.
"The Penang government wants to reiterate our earlier position that any new airport proposal must not jeopardise the role and function of the PIA and the future development of the state.
"The economy of Penang and its people must benefit from any such proposal," he added.
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