KOTA BHARU: Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) has the potential to be developed into a strategic regional hub, including for the southern Thailand market, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said that with proper strategic planning, opening 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 the Finance Minister, said a more open approach to 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 at the official opening of the new LTSIP terminal here on Saturday (April 18).
Anwar said the proactive move is expected to further stimulate the local economy, placing Kelantan on the right track for 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 RM440mil LTSIP project.
The Prime Minister explained that the large-scale project, which cost close to half a billion ringgit, including runway extension works, was continued because of its strategic value to the country, despite the economic constraints at the time the decision was made.
He said the government consistently adopts a realistic approach in planning national development, setting aside differing views when doing so benefits the people.
"Although there were differing views, we took 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 and giving full cooperation in making this project a success," he said.
Anwar stressed that completing the infrastructure facility is only a first step and should not stop at merely constructing "beautiful buildings".
He also urged the federal and state government machinery 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 developing the 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 its 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 from the arrival hall on the lower floor to reduce congestion.
The number of aircraft parking aprons has also increased to 11 from five, while the car park now provides about 1,300 bays compared with only 350 before the upgrade. – Bernama
