GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today reiterated that the state needed a second runway and that it had enough land for building that additional facility.
The request was based on the increasing number of passengers at the Penang International Airport, he said, and added that air freight had also increased because of foreign direct investment (FDI).
“For those who do not agree that Penang needs a second runway, you are not looking after Penang’s interest. Please look after Penang’s interest; do not sabotage Penang’s interest by saying that we do not need a second runway.
“At the same time, we can be sure that in Penang it (the second runway) will be utilised; it will be maximised, but in Kedah, we are not sure,” he told reporters here.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Dr Mahathir said on June 12 that Kedah was set to have a new international airport that would boost economic growth in the northern region.
Kedah now has two airports, namely the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport and the Langkawi International Airport.
Lim said Penang was not afraid of competing with a new international airport in Kulim, Kedah, provided it was done on a level playing field by giving Penang an additional runway, integrated air cargo facility and maintenance, repair and overhaul hub.
Earlier, Lim witnessed the signing of a lease for Wisma Yeap Chor Ee between Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Wawasan Open University Sdn Bhd (WOU).
PDC was represented by its general manager, Datuk Rosli Jaafar, and WOU, by its chairman, Datuk Seri Stephen Yeap Leong Huat.
Lim said the significance of the signing underlined the state government’s commitment in promoting science and technology as well as creative animation, by creating the space necessary through leasing the 100-year-old Wisma Yeap Chor Ee heritage building.
“This will be the hub for Creative Animation Triggers in George Town and will house the Penang Science Cafe operated by the Penang Science Cluster. The project will be completed in the first quarter of next year,” he said.
– BERNAMA
