KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed Kulim International Airport (KXP) – that has stirred concern from the Penang government – has the support of the Tourism Ministry which intends to use it as a “tourist gateway”. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi (pic) described the KXP as an important project because of its location near the border with Thailand.
“Many tourists enter the country from Thailand through Kedah as it is one of the gateways from the north,” he said after the announcement on the launch of the Malaysia Tourism City here yesterday.
The proposed KXP was suggested by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during the Mentri Besar and Chief Ministers Conference on Feb 26.
However, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has raised concerns over the negative impact that the KXP would have on the Penang International Airport.
On Monday, he said that a tripartite meeting would be held between Penang, Kedah and the Transport Ministry on the proposed project although no date has been fixed.
In his speech, Mohamaddin said the ministry has set aside RM100mil in matching grants for the private sector to promote Malaysia abroad.
“This is in line with the long running global brand position of ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’.
“The eyes of the world will be on Malaysia in 2019 and 2020 and it is time to showcase what this country has to offer,” he said.
Mohamaddin said some RM84.1bil in tourism receipts was generated from the 25.8 million international arrivals last year.
-thestar online.
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