No changes to KL Aeropolis, DFTZ
KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no changes to the KLIA Aeropolis and Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) development for now and will proceed as per the original schedule, according to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).
Managing director Datuk Mohd Badlisham Ghazali said there were no orders or announcement from the new government regarding any changes for both projects or the possibility of being scrapped, so far.
“I briefed the Transport Minister last week (on the DFTZ) and stated that it was an agreement between two private companies, namely, Alibaba and MAHB, with government involvement being minimal.
“The minister has been receiving his updates on the industry and is aware about the project. There does not seem to be any objection (on the project).But, he wants to study and get more details before letting us (MAHB) know (of any changes),” he told reporters after meeting with the Council of Eminent Persons here, today.
Aimed at small and mediumsized businesses, the DFTZ was launched in November last year and is set to be the regional logistics hub.It is scheduled to begin operations in 2020.
Malaysia was chosen to host the DFTZ due to its position as an important hub in the Maritime Silk Road, as well as the country’s aggressive push to develop a digital economy.
Meanwhile, on the KLIA Aeropolis, Badlisham said its development is still ongoing with a number of commitments having been made
“We have made commitments for either an outlet park, malls, logistical warehouse, or other things being done for Subang Airport to attract more investors there.
“This will continue as usual because we know what the market wants. We already have customers for what has been planned and hopefully, will be signing more agreements when we go to the Farnborough International Airshow in July,” he added.
KLIA Aeropolis, the air logistics hub which has been incorporated into the DFTZ, will be built on a 404.7 hectare site surrounding the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and was launched in 2016. It is expected to attract about RM7 billion in foreign and domestic investments.
On the meeting with the Council, Badlisham said discussions were more focused on how MAHB could increase passenger traffic, moving forward.