KULIM: Kedah state government would resume talks on the Kulim International Airport (LTAK) project which was previously put on hold due to its excessively high cost.
Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said the state government would hold a meeting with representatives from the Transport Ministry to discuss on the construction of the airport.
He said he had asked for the project cost, which was estimated at RM4 billion to be re-adjusted to the original RM1.6 billion.
“The airport (construction process) might be carried out based on the original plan which involved cargo carriers which does not warrant a huge terminal.
“We see the huge potential for the airport not only for Kedah, but also Perak, Perlis and the Southern Thai,” he told a Press conference after attending the launch of Infineon Technologies Fab 2 building complex here, today.
Also present were International Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking and Infineon Technologies (Kulim) president Ng Kok Tiong.
The state government had in 2014 proposed for the construction of an international airport in Kulim to be used as an industrial facility, but was postponed as the Federal Government had wanted a full-fledged airport instead.
Mukhriz said a new highway would also be built to connect the airport to the High Technology Industrial Park (KHTP).
Meanwhile, Darell said the ministry was committed in assisting Kedah especially in attracting more foreign investments in future.
“The construction of the airport would give KHTP an advantage over other technology parks in the country, while at the same time attract foreigners who want access to facilities that are complete.
“As for the ministry, we are committed in assisting Kedah to achieve this and would lend our support,” he said.