THE Transport Ministry said it is in the dark about a proposal to build a new airport in Penang, following reports that two companies had proposed the construction of two airports in the north.

In a statement, the ministry said it had never discussed such a proposal with any parties or received any proposal papers on the projects.

“The power to build or operate an aerodrome or to allow any licenced company to build, maintain and operate an aerodrome is vested in the transport minister under Act 3 of the Civil Aviation Act,” it said in a statement.

The ministry said it currently planned to upgrade the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas.

Earlier today, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government was unaware of the proposed projects as well.

Chow said in a statement that any proposal to develop an airport in the state or northern region would be gladly received, so long as it does not jeopardise Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas or the state’s future development.

“The economy of Penang and its people must benefit from such proposals,” he said of the state government’s stance on the matter.

He said his administration would wait for the proposals to be presented for deliberation, after which feedback would be provided.

The Star had today reported that two companies had proposed building an airport in two locations in south Seberang Prai on mainland Penang.

It said one firm had submitted to Putrajaya its plan for an airport, while the other would soon do the same.

One of the companies proposed acquiring thousands of hectares of padi land for North Malaysia International Airport, while the other wished to name its facility the Northern Region International Airport. – June 10, 2019.