Bebuling STOLport mooted as practical training ground for drone, aviation skills linked to CENTEXS Betong

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 17: The upcoming Bebuling STOLport in Spaoh could serve as a practical training ground for drone and aviation-related skills, complementing proposed training programmes at Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Betong campus, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

He said CENTEXS Betong, which is expected to commence operations soon, could play a key role in providing structured training in emerging technical fields, including drone operations and aviation-related skills.

He added that the Bebuling STOLport — located about 20 to 30 minutes from Debak — is well suited as a practical training site due to its open surroundings and low operational interference.

“I discussed with Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu earlier, and we will request the Premier for CENTEXS to introduce classes for flying drones and even aircraft.

“I think we need pilots for planes and drones, and the Bebuling STOLport is very suitable because there are not many disturbances there. This is a new industry for us in Betong,” he said when speaking at the Majlis Bersama Pemimpin Peringkat DUN Saribas, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today.

Uggah said the STOLport project, estimated at RM248 million, is currently progressing, while CENTEXS Betong is expected to begin operations soon.

He, who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman, further highlighted the Bebuling Agropark, which has been approved by the Premier with an allocation of nearly RM200 million and is being implemented with the involvement of four anchor companies.

He said the agropark adopts a modern farming model linking investors with smallholders through capital, technology and market access. It will also feature large-scale farming systems, including greenhouse development covering about 70 acres.

Uggah also said the development of the Rentap fortress replica at Bukit Sadok, with a RM20 million allocation approved by the Premier, will enhance Betong’s tourism appeal.

He said the combined development of Bebuling Agropark, CENTEXS Betong, and the STOLport would position Betong as a future agro-industrial, skills and logistics hub.

“With AirBorneo coming in, Betong will also become a gateway for exports and tourism,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development II (Community Wellbeing Development) and Saribas assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha, Sarawak Mufti Datu Khalidi Ibrahim, and Acting Betong Resident Muhammad Nizam Wang.