Sepang, it used to be a sleepy old town where people drive past on their way down south, that is if people choose not to go the full length of the North South Highway. But today, there is a plot of land measuring about 10,000 hectares that is bustling with activities. This lot of land, which was formerly a plantation land comprising maninly of oil palm trees and other agricultural produce and a small aborigine settlement of about 85 families is now slated to become one of the most prominent landmark for Malaysia in the Asian region.
It is here that Malaysia's brand new international airport, simply called , will be built. This is a full blown premier project gruanteed to propel Malaysia to the forefront in the aviation industry in the Asean region. Boasting of stage-of-the art technology and architecture, the KLIA will be the hub of all air traffic and international and local flights in the Asean region.
Since the 60s, Subang has served the demands of air travel in the region and also doubling as the international entry and exit point to Malaysia. With the projected increase in the air traffic due to the rapid development of the region, Subang International Airport is just not in the condition to cope with the increase load. Studies were then conducted to check of the feasibility of expending Subang Airport to take on the increased load. When a negetive conclusion was reached, there was only one choice left, that is to look for an alternative site.
Various guidelines and criteria which had to be met were set forth in looking for alternative site. The land should to be sufficient in size - at least 10,000 hectares are needed to contain the proposed airport and cater for future expansion. Furthermore, the site should not be more than 30 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur yet is able to fulfill all aeronautical requirements. With all those in mind, it is found that the land in Sepang is ideal and is able to fulfill the requirements.
In 1992, the Malaysian government commissioned the Anglo-Japanese Airport Consortium Sdn. Bhd. to undertake a Masterplan Study for the new KLIA, the final report which was submitted at the end of 1992. At the same, Netherlands Airport Consultants B.V. (NACO) was appointed to carry out a review on thw Draf Final Report prepared by the Consortium.
Simultaneously, the government also innitiated an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with the Masterplan Study by appointing Engineering and Environmental Consultants in association with Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn. Bhd. for the environmental study. The final report was submitted to the government in March 1993.
In its intention to ensure that the construction of the new airport is as efficient and cost-effective as possible, the government set up KL International Airport Berhad (KLIAB) in 1993. Besides raising funs for the project, KLIAB is also entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring accountability to the government and the public.
