I read with concern the news that Malaysia Airport Holding Berhad (MAHB) is planning to launch the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Aeropolis, which is expected to contribute RM30 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) and more than 56,000 jobs over the next 15 years.
The authority must not again confuse foreigners with the words ‘Kuala Lumpur’ when the airport and the proposed location of the aeropolis are indeed located in Sepang, some 60km away from Kuala Lumpur.
I am sure that officers from the Transport Ministry and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) are aware about the Selangor state legislative assembly debate on March 31, 2016, that the Selangor state government has the intention to convert the name of ‘Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)’ to ‘Sepang International Airport’ as the international airport is not located within the federal capital.
Instead, it is located right in the heart of Sepang district, Selangor.
For example, the international airport in Singapore is not named as ‘Singapore International Airport’ but ‘Changi International Airport’. The same goes to Heathrow International Airport instead of ‘London International Airport’.
Such an exercise is deemed necessary. Using the name ‘Sepang’ will give international fame to the local name of ‘Sepang’. The federal government should and must recognise the existence and the role of the Selangor state government in bringing in foreign investments.
LAU WENG SAN is DAP assemblyperson for Kampung Tunku.