Pahang welcomes Vincent Tan's airport offer for Tioman island

KUALA LUMPUR (June 8): The Pahang government has welcomed Berjaya Group executive chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan’s plans to construct an airport on Tioman island (pictured) with his own resources.

"The state government adopts an investor-friendly attitude and always welcomes those interested parties, but we must look at the proposal in detail and in a comprehensive manner.

“We know that the construction of an airport involves high cost and we want to listen first to his proposal and what sort of contribution was required from the state government,” Chairman of the State Committee on Tourism, Environment, Plantations and Biotechnology Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin said when asked by Bernama to comment on the tycoon’s airport plans for the island.

But Mohd Sharkar also added that the state administration has to get the full details from Tan before making a decision.

He said that although he was happy with the tycoon’s offer, the Pahang would still look at environment issues in the construction of the airport in Pulau Tioman.

“The construction of the airport there had long been proposed, but had not been implemented due to the environmental issue, we must ensure that the method used and the airport itself did not bring about negative impact (to the environment).  

"We need to get the views and approvals from the Department of Environment, Marine Department as well as the views of those involved,” he told Bernama.

It was reported yesterday the new airport for Tioman island would cost about RM1.2 billion.

Tan said the construction of the airport would be financed from Berjaya Group’s internal funds and borrowings.

Tan said that it was his way of helping the Pakatan Harapan administration under Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the new airport will be built at no cost to the federal government.

“We are looking for an infrastructure project and will propose to the government. We want to finance the project ourselves with loans from banks. We won’t burden the government.”