{
  "id": 14672689,
  "title": "Ahli Parlimen Rompin gesa kerajaan kaji semula projek lapangan terbang Tioman",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/ahli-parlimen-rompin-gesa-kerajaan-kaji-semula-projek-lapangan-14672689",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T09:19:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/10/15/ahli-parlimen-rompin-gesa-kerajaan-kaji-semula-projek-lapangan-terbang-tioman"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government recently reconsidered its decision to not proceed with the construction of a new international airport on Pulau Tioman due to potential negative impacts on the environment. Abdul Khalib Abdullah, a member of Parliament representing Rompin, acknowledged the government's prior decision to cancel the project due to environmental concerns, but stated that this decision alone does not resolve transportation issues for the island's 3,600 residents and the tourism sector. He emphasized that improving accessibility and connectivity are not mutually exclusive. Khalib argued that canceling a project does not address transportation access and business concerns on the island. According to him, Tioman Island, designated as a marine park, receives around 250,000 visitors annually, but its heavy dependence on sea transport hinders movement, logistics, and local economy. The government previously cancelled the project after finding it would significantly harm the environment, with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report identifying 120 species of hard coral and 12 species of soft coral at risk. Khalib also urged local ferry operators to reconsider increasing the fare for the new ferry route between Teluk Gading and Pulau Tioman, as it could deter tourists and impact the island's revenue. He urged the government to intervene and review the basis of the ferry fare increase, ensuring that passengers receive convenient and high-quality services.",
  "summary": "Abdul Khalib Abdullah berkata pembatalan projek itu tidak menyelesaikan masalah akses pengangkutan yang dihadapi penduduk dan pengusaha tempatan.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Ahli Parlimen persoal keberkesanan program kesihatan mental di sekolah",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/ahli-parlimen-persoal-keberkesanan-program-kesihatan-mental-di-sekolah",
        "published": "2026-10-14T15:50:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}