One state’s meat can be another state’s ‘poison’

KUALA LUMPUR: As MCA expresses bewilderment at the federal government’s newly announced mega economic boosters for Kedah, which are to be built close to the border of Penang, industry players in Penang are dismayed that the state may be sidelined.

Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong described the decision to spend RM1.6bil to set up an international airport in Kulim as a “classic case of political consideration over economic principles”.

The MCA president noted that Penang International Airport and Kulim are a mere 46km apart, with a travelling time of only about an hour between them.

“We are told that the government has no money but yet is prepared to spend RM1.6bil to build an international airport in Kulim.

“It is set to be a white elephant because most international flights will fly to Penang and not Kulim.

“The traffic volume does not justify building this airport,” he said.

Dr Wee said the Penang International Airport is literally “bursting at its seams” but the federal government has chosen to ignore the appeal of the Penang state government.

“It appears that the PM prefers to listen to his son, the MB,” he added.

Last month, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed concerns about the proposed Kulim international airport, saying that it would have an adverse impact on Penang’s economy.

Dr Wee said what was initially planned as a cargo airport in Kulim will now be a fullfledged international airport.

“The DAP state government owes a lot of explanation to Penangites and at the same time, the federal government should stop telling us it has no money,” he said.

In George Town, the good news for Kedah left a sense of foreboding for businessmen in Penang, ARNOLD LOH reported.

After the announcement by Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, a few local developers contacted The Star reporters to verify the report and expressed worry that Penang was being sidelined.

A developer, who did not want to be named, pointed out that the approved 70km Northern Corridor Highway in Kedah would encircle Seberang Prai and send interstate traffic away.

“Bandar Baharu is in our south; Kulim is Kedah’s largest border town next to Central Seberang Prai; Sungai Petani is the neighbour of North Seberang Prai. The highway will send traffic from Kuala Lumpur to Kedah without entering Penang,” he said.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Penang chairman Datuk Dr Ooi Eng Hock praised Putrajaya’s efforts to develop Kedah but realised that it would mean stiff competition for Penang.

“Kulim has benefited from a spillover effect from Penang since over 10 years ago.

“Established businesses in Penang were drawn to Kulim Hi-Tech Park because of better land prices and pioneer status.

“Even Penang’s talent pool has spread to Sungai Petani and Kulim,” he said.

Dr Ooi said the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), set up in 2007 to develop a socio-economically balanced region comprising Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak, must ensure development is equitable for all the four states.

“I hope the Penang government will strive harder to get more development funding from Putrajaya, to be fair to Penangites,” he added.

Chow, in a WhatsApp response, said he has requested NCIA to implement projects in Penang, including Penang Transport Master Plan projects, so that the northern corridor will be a catalyst for growth.

Chow also pointed out the many projects that have been successfully carried out by NCIA for Penang, such as the Batu Kawan interchange, Industry 4.0 programmes for SMEs, the expansion of Penang Port, expansion of Penang International Airport to handle 16 million passengers a year, aquaculture projects in Balik Pulau, the bridge linking Batu Kawan Industrial Park to Nibong Tebal, tourism projects and human capital development programmes.