KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The successful test on KLIA2’s Runway 3 has dispelled rumours that it could sink, Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said.

Dispelling unsubstantiated claims, he said: “There is always cynicism in what we (the government) do, many parties including the opposition and alternative media have claimed that the runway construction area was built on
sinking ground.

“If our runways sink, we would not have retained our seat in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for our professionalism.”

The trial yesterday using Malindo Air’s Boeing 737-900ER was to test the smoothness and evenness of the runway and signifies the project’s completion following a successful landing.

Hishammuddin said prior to the trial, the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) had calibrated and tested the runway using DCA’s own aircraft to ensure it met minimum yet stringent requirements for the landing.

“I would like to congratulate contractor, KUB Malaysia Bhd and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd for the on-time completion and successful trial landing.

“I am pleased to learn that the overall progress of KLIA2’s construction is well on track to meet its May 2014 opening.

“The KLIA2 task force as well as I personally will continue to monitor the progress from time to time and I am confident that the terminal will be ready as scheduled, with only six per cent left towards full completion,” Hishammuddin said.

KUB chairman Datuk Seri Abd Halim Abd Samad said the completion of the runway marked another milestone for the group, following its foray into the airport construction business.

“Having delivered the runway on time and in line with the standard requirements ... our No 1 priority is that the runway is safe and strong enough to accommodate any generation of aircraft as well as the super-sized ones like the Airbus A380 and the Antonov An-225.

“Hopefully with this platform credibility, along with our experience in this venture, the group will include additional revenue streams namely in the airport construction industry,” Abd Halim said.

The KLIA 2 project, the country’s first hybrid airport was initially budgeted at RM1.6 billion but the cost ballooned to RM4 billion following several adjustments. The new airport was initially slated to open in September 2011 but the date has since been postponed five times. It is now expected to be ready in May next year.