Few were aware of the recent cancellation of the Pulau Tioman airport project in August 2023, so let's revisit the story.
The initial proposal to construct a new airport on the western shores of Tioman Island was introduced as far back as 2003. However, in 2009, the then-Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, abandoned the project due to its potential adverse environmental effects, particularly concerning coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Local residents in nearby villages, along with Malaysian environmental advocates, were also vocal opponents of the project. They voiced concerns about the reclamation of protected marine areas, which would inevitably lead to the destruction of vital coral reefs, critical habitats for various marine species inhabiting the waters of Pahang.
In a surprising turn of events, in 2018, the project seemed to be resurrected, purportedly championed by Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the executive chairman of the Berjaya Group. He publicly declared his intent to submit a proposal for the construction of a new airport on Tioman Island with the aim of boosting tourism.
It is worth noting that the proposed airport site lies just a few kilometers from Berjaya Group's Berjaya Tourism Resort.
In response to these developments, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the entity responsible for managing most of Malaysia's airports, issued a cautionary statement regarding the environmental implications of building a new airport on Tioman. Badlisham Ghazali, a director at MAHB, pointed out that the prior plan was rejected because it would "detract from the island's natural beauty."
Reef Check Malaysia, the local branch of a global non-governmental organization (NGO), also sounded alarms about the potential environmental damage.
In October 2018, approximately 80 individuals, including villagers, NGO members, divers, and tourism resort operators, staged a protest against the proposed new airport. Alvin Chelliah, a representative of Reef Check Malaysia, emphasized the irreparable harm that the airport would inflict on coral reefs, seagrass beds, shorelines, and pristine sandy beaches.
Later that year, Dato Sri Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail, the Mentari Besar of Pahang, assured that both state and federal governments would closely monitor the airport's construction to ensure minimal impact on Tioman's environment. Tioman Island had been designated a marine park, and he pledged that at least seven government departments would ensure compliance with established regulations.
Fast forward to last month, and the current government's decision was met with approval from Reef Check Malaysia. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change (NRECC) received accolades for its dedication to responsible environmental conservation.
Nik Azmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of NRECC, announced that the government had opted not to proceed with the construction of the new Tioman International Airport, which would have encroached on a significant 76% of the reclaimed sea area.
The rejection of the airport project is a monumental victory for both the environment and biodiversity, not only on Tioman Island but across Malaysia. It also ensures that the local community's livelihood on Tioman Island remains intact as the region strives to recover from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 lockdowns.
In response to the government's decision, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail (BN-Jelai) hinted at the possibility of extending the existing runway by an additional 500 meters. This proposal was made to address concerns raised by Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Hussain (BN-Tioman), who questioned whether the Pahang government intended to lengthen the 800-meter airstrip in Kampung Tekek to 1.5 kilometers to accommodate larger aircraft capable of carrying more than 15 passengers.
Johari highlighted that the airstrip had previously served smaller aircraft operated by Berjaya Air, Pelangi Airways, SKS Airways, and various other private companies.
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