New International Airport welcomed

AnakPinang welcomes plans announced by the Penang State Government to eventually build a new international airport on reclaimed land¹ off Batu Maung, on the southeast side of Penang Island. We note that the new airport is not an immediate project but one to be undertaking as far into the future as after 2050, a good 32 years from now. By then, the current Penang International Airport would have become so crowded that there is no more room for further expansion. By planning now, the state government demonstrates its far-sightedness for Penang's future generations.

Certain quarters have questioned the proposals to build new airports in the north, and have instead suggested the upgrading of the Penang International Airport. However, these quarters neglect to note or possibly are unaware that the plans for not for the immediate future, but a long way ahead. As it is, the Penang International Airport is embarking on another expansion. But by 2050, there would be no more room for future expansions. If plans are not afoot today, we predict that those same people who oppose the proposals would in the future blame the state government for not putting the plans in place. They are deliberately pushing the state government into a damn-you-do-and-damn-you-don't situation.

It is prudent of the state government to initiate plans to identify a new site. When nothing is carved in stone, it is never too early to plan. A government that plans is better able to weather unforeseen changes. Relocating the airport means more than simply building a new runway and terminal. It also includes putting together all auxiliary infrastructure, such as new cargo and freight terminals, extending the LRT line, and so on. All these require ample land.

Gone are the days when the Penang International Airport stands quiet and empty. That may be true in the late 1970s, when the present airport terminal was newly completed. In the ensuing decades, the airport has become increasingly hemmed in by industrial and residential development. Industrial parks that have sprouted up in the vicinity of the airport include the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and Diamond Valley Light Industrial Park. At the same time, the demand for housing has created many new housing estates surrounding the airport, including Taman Iping and Southbay.

Building an airport offshore or adjacent to Penang Island has many benefits. This has been demonstrated by other airports including Osaka's Kansai International Airport and Hong Kong's Chep Lak Kok. Being away from densely populated Penang Island means the people now living adjacent to the present airport will finally enjoy reduced noise pollution from landings and take offs, which are expected to further increase in the future. At the same time, fear of landing and take off air crashes is also reduced. The site of the present Penang International Airport can also be freed to increase Penang Island's much needed land bank, for future industrial and residential development.

AnakPinang has no issue for Kulim and Ipoh to build or expand their airports in tandem with their own growing needs. Each town should plan for its own future without affecting the growth of its neighbours. As the largest urban centre in northern Malaysia, the City of Penang Island has to make sure that its future air transportation needs is well catered for, and the people are confident to have chosen a state government that puts this distant view in sight.

AnakPinang also urges the state government to conduct a thorough environment impact assessment to ensure that the placement of the new international airport in the sea will not have severe negative environmental impact, such as increasing coastal erosion. The area to be chosen should be checked for existing seagrass beds and fish breeding grounds. Notesworthy are lessons on environmental impact by other offshore airport projects such as Chep Lap Kok² In any case, let pragmatism prevail in all decision pertaining to the new international airport.

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