TIOMAN, MALAYSIA: The proposed RM120mil airport here could be cancelled due to environmental reasons.

Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan said the project's environmental impact assessment had been completed and an announcement would be made soon.

The airport was to be built on reclaimed land in Kampung Paya. It would have a 2km-runway to accommodate the Boeing 737 aircrafts.

The increase in tourists to the island particularly after it was given duty-free status in 2002 is one of the factors in proposing for a new airport.

The current airport in Kampung Tekek can only accommodate a 42-seater aircraft.

The only other access to the island is via ferry from Mersing (Johor) and Tanjung Gemuk (Pahang).

The airport plan received protest among villagers and chalet operators in Kampung Paya, Kampung Genting and Kampung Mukut as it would affect marine life.