Source: Malay Mail Online
16 April 2004
MM Focus: RM350m deal to be awarded soon
Marhalim Abas
PETALING JAYA: The Government is expected to award a RM350 million
contract soon to turn the Gong Kedak airfield in Pasir Putih,
Kelantan, into one of the most modern airbases in the region.
The contract is expected to be the last major defence spending in
the current five-year Eighth Malaysia Plan which ends in
2005.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak told The Malay
Mail yesterday that another RM30 million will be for the
consultancy costs of the project.
Najib, who is Defence Minister, also confirmed that the airbase
where the RMAF Sukhoi Su-30MKM would be stationed will be
equipped with hardened aircraft shelters (HAS).
He, however, did not say when the contract would be awarded,
although he was quoted on Aug 22 last year as saying that the
upgrading work at the airbase would start in 2005.
Besides the HAS, the runway will be extended by 900 metres to
accommodate the Sukhois.
Last year, the Government ordered 18 Sukhoi jets worth RM3.42
billion and they are expected to arrive in 2006.
Housing and other facilities for RMAF personnel are also expected
to be included in the upgrading work.
Currently, the Gong Kedak airfield is only used for training and no
aircraft are stationed there.
Najib had earlier yesterday told a Press conference on the final
day of the Defence Services Asia 2004 exhibition here that spending
on big-ticket items ships, aircraft and infrastructure projects
would be deferred until the Government has the funds.
He made the comment after witnessing the signing of contracts and a
letter of intent for spare parts worth RM224 million.
On whether the signing meant that no major defence procurement was
in the pipeline, Najib replied in the affirmative.
He said the major defence purchases have already been contracted
and the Armed Forces need to reconsider its equipment
requirements.
