More transparency, clarity needed on Subang airport regeneration plan

4 August 2023

Wan Agyl Wan Hassan calls for an independent oversight committee to monitor the implementation of the Subang airport regeneration plan.

Wan Agyl Wan Hassan calls for an independent oversight committee to monitor the implementation of the Subang airport plan

A former transport official has called for greater transparency and clarity over the proposed Subang airport regeneration plan (SARP), saying it is a project of “national importance”.

Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said several issues need clarity, including a proposal to seek a loan of nearly RM300 million from the government for the development of public infrastructure, the imposition of airport development charges, as well as fears the plan will cannibalise air traffic going through KLIA, the nation’s premier airport.

In a statement on Wednesday in response to FMT’s story a day earlier, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) said the SARP was still under discussion among the relevant parties, including the finance and transport ministries as well as other government agencies.

The airport authority also said the Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) and Deloitte Malaysia had provided “validations with a view to obtaining the desired outcomes, including mitigating the risks of any adverse impact to KLIA from flight cannibalisation”.

However, Wan Agyl, a former Land Public Transport Commission official, said flight cannibalisation was inevitable.

“MAHB should provide some clarity on this because it could affect not just the airport but industry players,” he told FMT following MAHB’s statement.

“The research by NACO could hold the answers and if MAHB publishes the report and details the proposed mitigation measures, I think it would put a lot of minds at ease.”

On the proposed loan, Wan Agyl said the government would need to provide details on how the required taxpayer funds will be spent.

He also said the government must also address concerns surrounding WCT Holdings Berhad’s involvement in the SARP.

“Many are asking why WCT? And you cannot blame people for asking such questions because of the media reports out there.

“So MAHB needs to make clear who, aside from them, is going to be involved in this project – if that has been decided on or not – and whether it will be open to all potential partners.”

Wan Agyl said this was important because the SARP was a project of “national importance” and that the “stakes were high”.

“The government has a key role to play in ensuring that this ambitious project benefits the nation, its citizens, and the aviation industry at large.”

To this end, he said Putrajaya should set up an independent oversight committee comprising aviation experts, consumer advocates, industry players and civil society groups.

“This committee can oversee the implementation of SARP, ensuring transparency, adherence to best practices, and ethical considerations.”

He also called for the publishing of quarterly progress reports and public consultation forums on the SARP.

“In the end, as MAHB aims for the stars with SARP, the government’s role isn’t just as a silent spectator but as an active guiding force.”

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