LTSIP In Kota Bharu Has Potential To Become Regional Hub – Anwar

KOTA BHARU, April 18 (Bernama) -- Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) has the potential to be developed into a strategic regional hub, including for the southern Thailand market, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said that through proper strategic planning, the opening of international transport links from LTSIP to major cities such as Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok would bring significant economic benefits to Kelantan.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said a more open approach in supporting the development of such transport infrastructure would not only benefit local residents but also contribute to the country’s overall economic growth.

“Besides meeting the needs of the people who use this facility, it is also necessary for us to boost economic activity, trade and tourism.

“The potential in Kelantan will not be sidelined or neglected if we give it a bit of attention and focus,” he said when speaking at the official opening of the new terminal of LTSIP here today.

Anwar said the proactive move is expected to further stimulate the local economy, placing Kelantan on the right track to progress in line with the nation’s development.

He also praised the close cooperation between the federal and state governments in ensuring the smooth implementation and success of the RM440 million LTSIP project in Kelantan.

The Prime Minister explained that the large-scale project, which cost close to half a billion ringgit when including runway extension works, was still continued due to its strategic value to the country, despite economic constraints at the time the decision was made.

He said the government consistently takes a realistic approach in planning national development, setting aside differing views if they benefit the people.

“Although there were differing views, we take a very realistic approach. When there is a need and good negotiations, we proceed,” he said.

“That is why, on behalf of the federal government, I would like to express my appreciation to my friend, the Menteri Besar (Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud), for mobilising the entire state government machinery to give full cooperation in making this project a success,” he said.

Anwar stressed that the completion of the infrastructure facility is only a starting step and should not stop at merely constructing “beautiful buildings”.

He also urged the federal government machinery and the state government to proactively plan follow-up measures to optimise existing facilities through synergy across key sectors, including trade, investment, transport, tourism and agriculture.

“That is why I would like to take this opportunity to state that our next requirement is follow-up action, just as we often hold meetings between the federal and state governments,” he said.

Anwar also expressed appreciation to the Transport Ministry and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd for the development of LTSIP, which he described as an exceptional airport.

“This airport is among the most beautiful, modern and artistic. If you want to see an airport with Islamic and Malay art, come to Kota Bharu,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Mohd Nassuruddin. 

LTSIP is equipped with more than 20 check-in counters, multi-storey parking facilities, dedicated taxi lanes, a terminal fire and rescue station, expanded aircraft parking space, and a cashless operating system to improve efficiency and passenger comfort.

The expanded and upgraded LTSIP can accommodate up to four million passengers annually, up from the previous capacity of 1.5 million.

The terminal area has been expanded from 12,000 square metres to 36,000 square metres, with a new layout separating the departure hall on the upper floor and the arrival hall on the lower floor to reduce congestion.

The number of aircraft parking aprons has also been increased to 11 from five previously, while the car park provides about 1,300 bays compared with only 350 before the upgrade.

-- BERNAMA