21 January 2015
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said the failure to provide detailed clarification on National Airport Master Plan (NAMP) 2008, which became the reference for the development of klia2, has given rise to negative feedback on the construction of the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) including from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
MAHB Managing Director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said the NAMP 2008 had superseded the original KLIA Master Plan (1992), which resulted in views by certain quarters that the klia2 project did not follow its original concept, which led to the significant increase in its construction cost.
"Obviously, we did not emphasise on the NAMP 2008 enough during the PAC meeting, but I am trying to provide clarity on some of the issues with regards to klia2 which was highlighted in PAC report," he told reporters during a briefing here today.
The airport operator said the development of klia2, including the decision on the site, was based on the recommendation in the NAMP 2008 after a comprehensive study involving stakeholders including the Ministry of Transport, Department of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Finance and all airlines.
The original plan was reviewed so as to take into account the latest development in the aviation industry such as growth of low fare airlines and their specific requirements.
The clarification was made amid the PAC report on klia2 in which the airport operator was lambasted for its failure to consider the needs of budget airlines when developing the klia2.
In the report, which was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat at end-November, the PAC among others concluded that the klia2 project did not follow its original concept as a replacement for the LCCT and ended up being a "hybrid concept terminal" following unexpected cost increases and upgrades.
klia2, which was designed to accommodate 45 million passengers yearly, began operations on May 2 last year, with a major increase in price tag from RM2 billion to RM4 billion.
On the 'ponding' or collection of water issue at klia2's parking apron, Badlisham said MAHB welcomed the views of various parties including an independent audit committee which was set up to probe the matter.
However, he assured that MAHB is doing its best to address this issue including appointing an independent technical advisor to assess the soil condition around the terminal. — BERNAMA
Original Source: bernama.com.my
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