Source:
Malay Mail Online16 April 2004
MM Focus: RM350m deal to be awarded soonMarhalim 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.
