Government revives proposal to build new runway in Pulau Tioman

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the government will revive the proposal to build a new runway at Kampung Genting, Pulau Tioman in efforts to place the island on par with other world famous resort islands.

The Prime Minister said the proposal, that was axed in 2009, would be reconsidered in more detail with several new improvements to avoid harming the environment, including marine life.

"Our original proposal is to build this new runway in Kampung Genting with a portion of it on land and another portion at sea. This proposal will be revived to allow the Boeing 737 aircraft to land in Pulau Tioman," he said at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering at Dataran Tiong, Kampung Tekek, Pulau Tioman here today.

He said, if the proposed project is to be implemented, the development landscape in Pulau Tioman could transform radically.

"A follow-up on it may take some time but a decision has been made. We will appoint a consultant before the project is implemented," he said.