ALOR SETAR, Jan 19 (Bernama) — The proposal to build the iconic Kulim Airport or better known as "KXP" will boost the economy of the Kedah people especially those living in the rural areas, said Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
The Kedah Menteri Besar said the proposal to build the KXP in Sungai Petani was one of the six projects which were planned to stimulate the economic development in the state.
"Just like the rapid growth of the northern Kedah areas within a short period after the opening of the Universiti Utara Malaysia in Sintok, it was also hoped that a similar growth would take place in our state as well as the neighbouring areas in the northern part of peninsular Malaysia," he said.
He disclosed this when delivering a congratulatory speech at the investiture in conjunction with the 87th birthday anniversary of the Sultan of Kedah at Istana Anak Bukit, today.
Mukhriz said the people had the opportunity of securing high-paying jobs not only offered by the KXP but also other industries operating outside the airport.
He said that the manufacturing industry and airline services, which also offered high-paying jobs, would be located beside the airport.
The Kedah Menteri Besar said the whole area between the Kulim High Technology Park and the KXP would become a manufacturing and service industry development zone, taking the opportunity from the access to the outside world created by the KXP.
Mukhriz pointed out that the declaration of the Visit Kedah Year next year would also contribute to the growth of the local tourism industry.
He said after planning various strategies carefully, the Kedah state government was now prepared to implement development programmes for the benefit of the people in the state.
"The drive for the transformation of Kedah has now begun," he said. (BERNAMA)
