Traffic jams, noise pollution expected with Subang airport upgrade

The goal of making the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (LTSAAS) a regional aviation hub through the Subang Airport Regeneration Plan (SARP) will likely cause a dramatic increase in traffic capacity, resulting in greater congestion in the surrounding area, experts say. 

Property expert Marina Hassan said the SARP could be expected to bring the same spillover effects as the construction of KLIA in Sepang in 1998, including an increase in property value similar to that witnessed in the Bangi, Semenyih, Kajang and Seremban areas. 

But because LTSAAS is located near developed areas like Ara Damansara, Subang Jaya and Shah Alam, she said, this would compound traffic congestion as more people could be expected to migrate to the locality. 

Speaking to MalaysiaNow, Marina of UCSI University said that while the target market for the SARP was business and premium class passengers, it would also attract those in the working class due to an increase in job opportunities. 

"Those in the premium class will be able to settle down in areas like Ara Damansara, but the working class will look for more affordable places like Puchong. 

"These areas are already congested – imagine what will happen when more people migrate over," she said. 

Still, she said, the change in status would also bring about positive developments. 

Property owners, for one, could expect an increase in property value. 

"Those who already own property in the area might benefit," she said. 

"Even areas like Subang Bestari or those near Sungai Buloh could witness an increase in value and development." 

On the ground, though, residents voiced concern about the expected rise in noise pollution. 

Arphan Ahmad, a resident at Ara Hill Condominium, said his main worry was the planned upgrade to the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre which would allow commercial aircraft with jet engines to land and take off. 

Previously, only aircraft with propeller engines and turboprops were allowed to operate at LTSAAS.

"When we first moved in 13 years ago, my wife and I were always disturbed by the sound of plane engines being tested, even in the middle of the night," he said. 

"The noise stopped when the MRO centre was moved to KLIA. But now, all of these activities will begin once more." 

Arphan agreed that the move to upgrade the airport was for the good of the economy. 

Nevertheless, he voiced hope that representatives from the government would engage with the residents to obtain their feedback on the project. 

"For now, there has been no word of such engagement sessions," he said. 

"I hope they will take the initiative to hear us out before making any further decisions."