DESPITE objections from various quarters, it seems that WCT Holdings Bhd’s wholly owned unit is still keen on acquiring the prestigious Subang Airport.
According to sources familiar with the issue, Subang Skypark Sdn Bhd (SSSB) had completed a full proposal on the plan which is set to be delivered to the Transport Ministry (MOT) soon.
“Yes, it’s confirmed. I received information that (Tan Sri) Desmond (Lim) is going for it,” the source told FocusM.
However, it is to note that nothing is finalised as once MOT gets the proposal, the latter will have to approach the Finance Ministry for a final say.
Two weeks ago, SSSB proposed to enter a new concession to operate the entire Subang Airport area until 2092 – transforming it into be a city airport.
However, key government-linked stakeholders such as the Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) are objecting the move, claiming estimated losses of up to RM11.9 bil.
SSSB is believed to have made the proposal to the Government via the Transport Ministry. The company plans to turn Subang airport to target point-to-point passengers and express freight together with related property developments.
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) opposed the move, claiming the plan will jeopardise MAHB and local aviation sector negatively in the long-run as it will affect the management of 18 short take off & landing ports (STOLPORTS).
“MAHB uses its profits to maintain airways to small islands and rural areas in East Malaysia to send essential goods, medicine and even newspapers as these places are inaccessible by roads and river.
“So, if the privatised Subang airport eats up MAHB’s profits, STOLPORTS will be affected, leaving people living in those rural area in a lurch,” its central committee member Sharan Raj told FocusM then.
Veteran unionist Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal also urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe the matter.
Touching on the matter, MAHB Workers’ Union (KESMA) chief Hussin Shahar said that his team is planning to send a memorandum to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to object to the acquisition plan.
“We are also planning to deliver the memorandum to the Transport Ministry, Finance Ministry and His Majesty, the Sultan of Selangor,” he told FocusM.
Hussin added that they have voiced their grievances to MAHB CEO Datuk Mohd Shukri Mohd Salleh and chairman Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir on the matter.
“But so far, we didn’t receive any update from them. In our view, any acquisition plan must consider all stakeholders’ concerns, including union members,” he said.
On that note, Hussin said the Subang Airport should not be acquired by private developers and must continue being managed by a Government institution.
“When SSSB came in, it was to help MAHB manage the airport but now they wish to acquire it. I don’t see the company being a genuine partner in managing a national asset,” he opined.
“Airports are gateways into coming and leaving the country. Leaving it under private hands may affect national security.” – May 18, 2021
