‘Keen European, Chinese interest’ in Kulim airport project

LANGKAWI (Dec 14): The Kedah state government is considering several proposals from several companies based in Europe and China for collaboration to build a cargo airport in Kulim.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir (pictured) said the companies believe Kedah is strategically located to become the country’s air logistics hub.

“That’s why we are continuing with this proposal, and we have received several proposals from foreign private entities,” he told reporters after opening the Kedah International Business and Investment Summit here.

He said the federal government recently agreed to the decision to proceed with the airport project but asked the state government to seek financing from sources other than the federal government.

Mukhriz said the private financing initiative is one strategy for the state government to continue with the project without depending on the federal government for financing.

He said after the proposal he made in 2014, two viability studies were conducted by the consultant involved in the development of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the transport ministry.

“Both studies show the proposal is very viable and in fact could boost the economy of Kedah in particular and Malaysia in general,” he said.

He also expressed hope the project could be implemented within its earlier estimated cost of RM1.6 billion.