Rumours of a new airport could affect PIA's upgrade - Guan Eng

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has warned that rumours involving a new regional airport in Seberang Perai would have an impact on Putrajaya's plan to upgrade the Penang International Airport (PIA).

"As the claims are circulating, many have questioned why was PIA being upgraded when there are plans to build a new airport in Seberang Perai," the former Penang chief minister said at the state legislative assembly today.

"We should practice the principle of certainty, clarity and consistency or else there will be many questions," Lim (photo) said while debating the Penang 2020 Budget at Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town today.

Lim assured that the PIA's upgrade is on track, and there is no plan to delay the project.

He quashed rumours of the new airport in Seberang Perai, saying even the Prime Minister and the Transport Minister have not heard of it.

“Even I was not briefed about this," said the Air Putih assemblyperson.

Lim was referring to a news report in June that two regional airports were proposed by a private company in south Seberang Perai.

Speculation was rife that in return for the projects, the Penang government would surrender the PIA and its surrounding lands in a swap arrangement.

Meanwhile, Lim dismissed fears that the new Kulim airport in Kedah would adversely affect PIA.

"In reality, PIA is already facing competition from the Langkawi International Airport.

“Why is Penang so worried about competition from other airports? We must be confident that PIA can be competitive with other airports," said the Bagan MP.

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