Bebuling STOLPort’s trial flight paves way for commercial flights

SPAOH: The trial flight at Bebuling Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) Port here today proceeded smoothly, marking a new chapter in efforts to strengthen air connectivity in the Betong Division.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said the trial flight would serve as a basis for further discussions on the operations of Bebuling STOLPort, including determining the date for commercial flights.

He said the date had yet to be set and would only be decided after further discussions with the relevant parties.

“In practical terms, the trial flight has been completed and went smoothly. We are very happy that today we were able to see this airport being used,” he said.

According to Uggah, Bebuling STOLPort was developed at a cost of RM248,026,341 and has a 1.119-kilometre runway capable of accommodating aircraft such as the King Air.

He said the facility would not only serve as a passenger transport hub but also had the potential to become a cargo-handling centre to support agricultural and industrial activities in the surrounding areas.

“In front of this terminal is a packing centre, while behind it is an Agro Park spanning about 1,000 hectares. This gives us great potential to bring agricultural produce to markets outside the area,” he said.

Uggah said the strategic position of Bebuling STOLPort would be further enhanced with the completion of the Batang Lupar II Bridge, which is expected to shorten travel time from areas around Batang Lupar to Betong.

In the tourism sector, he said the STOLPort also had the potential to become a new gateway for tourists visiting various tourism products in Betong and its surrounding areas.

Among the attractions that could be promoted are the replica of Rentap’s Fort at Bukit Sadok, longhouses that are more than 100 years old, as well as tourism products in Kabong and Batang Ai.

He said the air journey from Kuching to Bebuling would take only about 15 minutes, compared with around three hours by road, thus providing travellers with a shorter travel option.

At the same time, safety would remain a priority before the STOLPort begins full commercial operations.

Uggah said a set of regulations and standard operating procedures (SOPs) had been established to ensure flight safety, while firefighting facilities had also been provided at the airport.

He said further discussions on safety, operations and maintenance would be held before the licensing process and commercial operations were finalised.

He hoped the establishment of Bebuling STOLPort would stimulate local economic activities, particularly in the agriculture, cargo, industrial and tourism sectors.

“When the Premier first announced the construction of this airport, we wondered what it would be used for. But today, it has become clear that this facility can drive economic activities and production while benefiting the community,” he said.