Kota bharu: Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) holds potential for development into a strategic regional hub, including catering to the southern Thailand market, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated. He emphasized that strategic planning and the establishment of international transport links from LTSIP to major cities such as Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok could yield significant economic benefits for Kelantan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, highlighted that supporting the development of transport infrastructure would not only benefit local residents but also contribute to the country's overall economic growth. He underscored the importance of boosting economic activity, trade, and tourism to fully realize Kelantan's potential.
Anwar spoke at the official opening of LTSIP's new terminal, where he expressed optimism that this proactive move would stimulate the local economy and align Kelantan with the nation's development trajectory. He commended the collaboration between federal and state governments in executing the RM440 million LTSIP project.
He explained that despite economic constraints, the government continued the large-scale project due to its strategic value. The Prime Minister noted that the government remains committed to realistic national development planning, putting aside differing views when necessary to benefit the public.
Anwar acknowledged the cooperation of the state government and appreciated the efforts of Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud in ensuring the project's success. He stressed that the completion of LTSIP's infrastructure is just a beginning, urging for synergized efforts across trade, investment, transport, tourism, and agriculture sectors to optimize the facilities.
He also expressed gratitude to the Transport Ministry and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd for developing LTSIP, which he described as an exemplary airport showcasing Islamic and Malay art. The ceremony was attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Mohd Nassuruddin.
LTSIP's expansion includes more than 20 check-in counters, multi-storey parking, dedicated taxi lanes, a terminal fire and rescue station, and expanded aircraft parking. It now accommodates up to four million passengers annually, up from 1.5 million, with a terminal area expanded from 12,000 to 36,000 square metres, separate departure and arrival halls, and increased aircraft parking aprons and car park bays.