KUALA LUMPUR: Bejaya Group plans to build an airport in Pulau Tioman, Pahang costing up to RM1.2 billion.
Group executive chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan announced today that it would submit the proposal to the government.
He said construction of the airport, with an estimated cost of RM1.1 billion to RM1.2 billion, would be financed from the group’s internal fund and borrowings.
“We are planning on this new infrastructure project and will be submitting the proposal to the government.
“We will not burden the government because I think anyone who wants to run an infrastructure project needs to find its own financing and not just ask the government,” he said after a press confrence on Cardiff City Football Club here.
The Cardiff City club owner said during this difficult time, developers should practice self-financing for their own projects, and indirectly help the government.
“We understand that the present situation of the government is not so good, so we are ready to find partners and privatise the project so that the government does not have to pay it,” he said.
Tan added the proposed airport would be managed by the government if it was approved.
A new airport will most likely boost tourist arrivals to Tioman, which was once voted as one of the world’s top 10 most beautiful islands.
In 2003, the government planned to build a RM120 million airport in Kampung Paya on the island, which would feature a 2,000m-long and 45m-wide runway to accommodate the Boeing 737 aircraft.
However, then transport minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat cancelled the project in 2009, citing environmental concerns.
Since Berjaya Air ceased its services at the airport in Kampung Tekek, Pulau Tioman, several years ago, only chartered 12-seater single-engine flights are available.