Iskandar Malaysia Update - November 2013

IRDA plans to develop Iskandar Malaysia as an Aviation Hub. As CEO Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said Iskandar Malaysia was now ready with the infrastructure required to meet the demand of the regional aviation growth. He said aviation industry had always been a sub-sector promoted by IRDA and falls under Flagship E (Senai/Skudai), where Senai International Airport serves as the gateways and catalyst for the sector's development.

Senai Airport can now accommodate the biggest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, and the biggest cargo aircraft, the Antonov 225. The airport has the capacity to handle 3.5 million passengers and 80,000 tonnes of cargo annually as well as 20,000 sq m of apron space for aircraft parking.

“We are also looking forward to the implementation of the Asean Open Skies policy which will take effect in 2015. It is envisioned that the Asean region will see faster traffic growth and connectivity when the Asean sky is liberated in 2015,’’ said Ismail.

Source:
http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2013/11/18/Plans-for-Iskandar-to-soar-Irda-to-develop-it-as-an-aviation-hub.aspx

My View: As Singapore also is working hard to defend its leadership in Asean regional aviation hubs, I believe the only way for Senai airport to compete is to stand as a complement of Singapore airport, as most of the flights would be focusing on Singapore instead of Senai, and Malaysia will also focus on KLIA / KLIA2. Nonetheless, it can be a good gateways for foreigners to fly here from KL and enjoy a 2 days trip in Legoland / other recreation activities before heading back home via Singapore airports.

Johor state is in the plan of changing weekends holidays to Friday & Saturday from current Saturday & Sunday. 

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/11/18/Weekend-change-worries-traders-Its-not-timely-say-Johor-groups.aspx

Bus Rapid Transit System will be the main public transport system across the ten corridors of Iskandar Malaysia.

My View: This is at least the first step for Malaysian to enjoy a better public transport system before they develop a MRT system in Iskandar Malaysia here. What I was hoping was that the period of taking bus to town can be shortened by at least 50% so that more people are willing to ride on the public transport instead of driving cars. 

Source: http://www.trl.co.uk/trl-news-hub/transport-news/latest-transport-news/malaysian-government-outlines-long-term-transport-plan_801660286.htm

http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/long-term-plan-to-boost-public-transport-1.399209