By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Oct 1 – Malaysia, and by extension, Selangor, is in prime position to capitalise on growing global interest in the country, potentially drawing attention to the proposed development of the KLIA Aeropolis.
However, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said while it is important for states like Selangor to have economic ambitions, especially in complex industries like aviation, it is crucial to proceed with a sense of realism and objectivity.
Taking a dig at Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, Rafizi urged Selangor to avoid making grand promises without proper follow-through, citing Sanusi’s still unfulfilled promise to develop an aerotropolis in Kedah.
“It’s important to be cautious. We may have ambitions to develop an aeropolis around Sepang, but for now, that’s just an ambition.
“You can announce a project, like the Kedah Menteri Besar did, but if no investors step forward, it will never materialise,” Rafizi said at a dialogue session hosted by the Economy Ministry at the Shah Alam City Council Convention Centre here today.
Rafizi added that now is an opportune moment for Malaysia to act, with global interest in the country on the rise.
“If our policies align well, we can start meaningful conversations with global-level players to bring them here,” he said.
“When it comes to the aeropolis, it’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. We don’t yet have global-level aerospace players based in Malaysia. Currently, aerospace companies here still view the country as a manufacturing outpost.
“While we have many companies involved in manufacturing components, we haven’t yet moved into MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) or aircraft manufacturing,” he added.
Today’s dialogue aims to gather input for the 13th Malaysia Plan from state civil servants, as well as community leaders, non-governmental organisations and the public.
Previously, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd inked a memorandum of understanding with Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) for the development and marketing of Zone 3 and 4 of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang.
Both parties will also discuss potential collaboration on off-terminal real estate development at KLIA Aeropolis, which encompasses a vast aerospace park and aeronautical support zones surrounding KLIA.
