He said the federal government and related agencies had agreed in principle to approve the project, which will be part of a proposed RM10 billion Pahang aerospace city project.

The National Physical Planning Council had agreed that the project be studied further, he said, Sinar Harian reported.

FMT is seeking confirmation from Wan Rosdy.

According to the report, the current Kuantan airport, known as Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport, would be transferred to the Royal Malaysian Air Force which has a major base there.

“Apart from the construction of an international standard airport, the project also involves the construction of shopping malls, hotels, among others,” Wan Rosdy was quoted as saying. “This project is a long-term plan that will be developed in phases until 2050.”

He added that the proposed project took into account the need for an international airport in the state and the east coast in particular.

The Pahang aerospace city project, on an area measuring 5,042 hectares, is led by Pahang Corporation Sdn Bhd and is expected to be fully operational in 2026.