Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi has expressed dissatisfaction with the second delay since 2009 in completing the upgrading of the Penang International Airport, and insisted that Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha should quit his post.

In a statement yesterday, the Corporate Communications Division of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB)  said the upgrading was "substantially completed" and that the affected areas were functioning fully.

It also sought the “patience" of the public, as final touches were now being put in place by the end of next month, following the Transport Ministry’s addition of a month to the deadline.

NONE Ooi (right) described the announcement as "misleading", especially when Kong had provided a written reply to Parliament stating that the airport would be ready by the end of this month.

"Kong never said anything about ‘substantial completion’ which does not (equate to) completion of the project," Ooi said.

"I repeat: Kong should resign if the contractor cannot ensure proper sign-off handover of the airport to MAHB by Nov 30."

The minister had attributed the delay to the appointment of a new contractor and to upgrading works having to be carried out after midnight to avoid inconvenience to users.

Ooi reiterated that passengers should be the "eyes and ears" of the Penang government from Dec 1, to take photos of, and report, any sign that work on the building remains incomplete or is poorly finished.

These reports may be sent to any member of the state government, including Ooi, as they are monitoring the works.

He added that the delay would leave a "bad impression" on tourists visiting Penang, especially during the peak holiday season of November and December.