Putrajaya cancels Tioman airport project over environmental concerns
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 — The Cabinet has decided not to continue with the construction of the Tioman International Airport on land that would be 76 per cent reclaimed, said Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
He said the decision was in line with the ministry's mission, which is to prioritise the preservation, conservation, and optimal use of natural resources and the environment.
“The decision also indirectly reflects the government's efforts in balancing the rapid development with environmental preservation in order to achieve a sustainable environment and to ensure the well-being of the country,” he said in a statement.
Nik Nazmi said that the ministry was concerned about the reclamation in the marine protected area, which would lead to destruction of the coral reefs.
He said the coral reefs are important habitats for various marine life species and among the main attractions of Pulau Tioman.
“Pulau Tioman, which is gazetted as a marine park, has pristine rainforests, which is the habitat for various wildlife species with part of the island designated as a wildlife reserve,” he said.
While noting that the new airport would allow for more tourists, he said this should not be at the cost of damaging the natural attractions of the island, which would lead to unsustainable tourism.
Nik Nazmi said that NRECC through the Department of Environment has also completed the initial exhibition process for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report on the "Proposed development of a new airport on Tioman Island for Flight Operations Code 4C, covering an area of 460.50 acres, in Tioman, Rompin district, Pahang”.
“The EIA report was exhibited for 30 days starting from June 21 to July 20. The public submitted comments from June 21 to August 4, which took 45 days. A total of 1,412 public comments have been submitted.
“Following the EIA Technical Committee Meeting (EIATRC) held on August 9, the ministry found that the proposed new airport has the potential to bring negative impact on the quality of the environment, particularly to the sensitive receptors around Tioman Island, including the marine ecology if continued,” he explained.
