The International Airport Penang (LTAPP) proposal to expand which supposed to begin in June may be postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) had been awaiting additional guidance from the respective parties regarding the project's status.

He said the city council of Penang Island had given its green light. However, it was not the time for the project to begin, because the airport will not be used optimally if the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“So the management must consider if the LTAPP expansion is beneficial or not. The state government was informed that a clear decision on the matter may be made within six months to one year from now,” he said in a posting on his personal Facebook.

Chow said that the COVID-19 pandemic also affected other aspects of the airport in particular the target passenger volume that is expected this year to hit 8.5 million.

“The airline and tourism sectors are clearly very affected by COVID-19. Tourism, retail, and other areas are affected as flights have been stopped, the ban on flights is not just for Malaysia, but almost the whole world.

“I hope all parties, including the federal government, state government, and industry players face this challenge together. We have to persevere until the situation recovers fully,” he said.

The project will enable the airport to cater to up to 12 million passengers compared to the current capacity of 6.5 million.