Penang airport expansion to include studies to prevent flash flood

The proposed expansion of the Penang International Airport (LTAPP) will involve studies on water flow and drainage systems to prevent flooding at the airport.

State Infrastructure and Transport Commi ee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and the Transport Ministry are working together with all government agencies and stakeholders to come up with a sustainable design for the airport that can prevent the occurrence of floods.

“The participation of all state and federal agencies and stakeholders is very important to realise the airport expansion,” he said at the state legislative assembly si ing yesterday.

He was replying to a question from Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (PAS-Penaga) on the flooding that has become a normal occurrence at the airport and the measures being taken to deal with it.

Based on MAHB records, Zairil said LTAPP was hit by flash floods on Oct 28 in 2018, Sept 3 in 2019, and Sept 24 this year.

He said the MAHB is currently designing a larger On-Site Detention tank system to cope with the storm water runoff and the plan would be included in the National Airport Master Plan (NAMP) for LTAPP which is being prepared by MAHB.

“The long-term solution adopted by the state government through the Penang Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) is to implement the Sungai Tiram Flood Mitigation Plan in Kampung Naran, Bayan Lepas through the allocation of High Impact Projects to reduce the risk of flooding in Kampung Naran and LTAPP nearby areas.

“The state government and the MAHB are always commi ed to ensuring LTAPP is at its best and always improving the relevant facilities for the convenience and safety of consumers.

“To support economic development in Penang and increase the number of passengers every year, it is important that LTAPP is expanded,” he said.