KUALA LUMPUR: It is no easy task for the Tioman Airport project to take off.
This was Malaysian Airports Holding Bhd managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali’s frank assessment of tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s RM1.2 billion plan to develop the tourist destination.
He said even MAHB’s former plans to build an airport on the island in Pahang had hit a dead end due to environmental concerns.
“We have looked into this before. The government too, but there is no suitable area to land the plane unless you extend into the sea.
“That will need reclamation. If reclamation is required, it will impact the environment.
“Reclamation will spoil the beauty and this will not get the authority’s approval,” he said after meeting with the Council of Eminent Persons here today.
Badlisham, however, welcomed the offer.
Tan’s Berjaya Group has plans to build a new airport costing RM1.2 billion on Pulau Tioman. It will submit its plans to the government.
Berjaya Air ceased its services at the airport in Kampung Tekek, Pulau Tioman, several years ago.
Now only chartered 12-seater single-engine flights are available.