Revisit Tioman airport project, urges MP

In August 2023, the Malaysian Cabinet decided not to proceed with the Tioman International Airport project due to concerns over its potential impact on marine ecology, as determined by an environmental assessment. Abdul Khalib Abdullah, an opposition MP representing Rompin, is urging the government to reconsider its decision to abandon plans for an international airport on Pulau Tioman, which serves a population of over 3,600 residents and attracts approximately 250,000 tourists annually.

Khalib contends that the island's reliance on sea transport for movement, local logistics, and economic activities renders it difficult to access, particularly during economic hardship. He argues that canceling the project does not resolve the residents' and operators' access issues, emphasizing that conservation and connectivity are not mutually exclusive.

Khalib states that the decision to cancel the airport project fails to address the access challenges faced by residents and operators on the island. He calls upon ferry operators to cancel a recently announced fare hike, which he believes disproportionately burdens tourists and residents during a period of economic difficulty. Khalib also urges the government to review the justification for the fare increase and to ensure that comfortable and quality services are provided.