Penang premier seeks federal help to build air cargo hub

MALAYSIA's Penang state government is urging Malaysia Airport Berhad (MAB) to develop an integrated air cargo terminal in the state to prepare for better times ahead, reports the Sun Daily newspaper.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the terminal is a worthwhile investment as it will bring in more cargo flights to Penang. "We really need an air cargo hub here so that we will be ready for a bigger market share when the economy picks up," he said.

Mr Lim said there is no need to worry about lack of land to build the terminal as the state government is prepared to do what is needed to ensure it materialises.

"What we really need now is to get the project approved and funding from the federal government," he said at a dialogue session with MAB, MASkargo and Penang Freight Forwarders' Association at the Penang Cargo Centre in Bayan Lepas.

Mr Lim said there has been a drop of 42 per cent in air cargo traffic between January and April this year compared to the same period last year due to the economic downturn. At the same time, state exports had fallen 37 per cent.

"There are currently two air cargo terminals separated by 15 kilometres and it is time the terminals be integrated into one so that we can attract more cargo," he said.

(Source: ShippingonLine)