ALOR STAR: Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah has once again called on all parties concerned to put aside their personal differences to realise the Kulim International Airport (KXP).
His Royal Highness said KXP, which is part of the proposed Kedah Aerotropolis mega project, deserved a fair and due consideration as it was vital for economic growth in the state and country at large.
"In order to sustain the state's high pace of economic growth I believe there is an urgent need to strengthen the transportation infrastructure network and connections in the state.
"Therefore, it is very crucial for Kedah to have another international airport based on cargo to facilitate the movement of goods and export.
"The proposed KXP which is part of the Kedah Aerotropolis development framework will cater the need, and acts as a 'game changer' which will transform the economy to even greater heights," decreed Sultan Sallehuddin in his royal address during investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his 81st birthday celebration at Istana Anak Bukit today.
Present were Her Royal Highness Sultanah of Kedah, Sultanah Maliha Tengku Ariff and the state royalties.
Sultan Sallehuddin added that the project could be expedited should the state government and the federal government were willing to work together and the leaders be able to put aside personal differences in managing development matters.
"It will be a great loss if this development project does not see light of day just because of differing views and political affiliations between leaders at the state and federal to the extent of turning away from the needs of the state and the country which are far more crucial.
"I wish to call for the KXP, which is part of the Kedah Aerotropolis, to be accorded a fair treatment and attention by the parties concerned so that it could be realised for the benefit of the state, the country and the people," he said.
In the speech, Sultan Sallehuddin added that the state government's focus on the manufacturing sector especially on the electrical and electronics, semiconductor and green energy technology had enabled Kedah to remain relevant in the current and future global economy.
"As a result of the balanced economic composition, supported by a sound business ecosystem and investment, the state has been able to attract annual investment to the tune of RM10 billion for the past two consecutive years," he said.
In March, while opening the state legislative assembly, Sultan Sallehuddin had called on the federal government to support and give consideration to the development of the KXP project for the benefit of the country, and Kedah in particular.
Sultan Sallehuddin was reported as saying that based on the studies, the development of KXP would be an economic game changer to Kedah and would complement the existing airports in the north of the country through the provision of more comprehensive cargo services, supported by the development of a Maintenance, Repair and Operation (MRO) hub.