Bebuling STOLPort Set To Unlock New Economic Potential For Betong
SPAOH: A successful trial flight at Bebuling STOLPort on Friday marked another step towards strengthening air connectivity and unlocking new economic opportunities in Betong Division.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the successful trial flight would pave the way for further discussions to determine when commercial flights could begin operating at the STOLPort.
According to him, a date has yet to be set and will only be finalised following discussions with the relevant parties, including on operational, safety and maintenance requirements.
“Practically speaking, the trial flight has been completed and went smoothly.
“We are very pleased that today we were able to see this STOLPort being used,” he said in a Facebook post on Friday.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development added that Bebuling STOLPort, which was developed at a cost of RM248.03 million, has a 1.119-kilometre runway and is capable of accommodating aircraft such as the King Air.
More importantly, he said the facility was not merely intended for passenger travel, but also held significant potential as a cargo hub to support the agriculture and industrial sectors in surrounding areas.
“There is a packing centre in front of this terminal, while behind it is an Agro Park covering about 1,000 hectares. This gives us tremendous potential to bring our agricultural produce to external markets,” he said.
The Bukit Saban Assemblyman added that this potential would be further enhanced by the STOLPort’s strategic location, particularly with the completion of the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge, which is expected to improve access from areas around Batang Lupar to Betong.
At the same time, he said the facility could serve as a new gateway to strengthen Betong’s tourism industry by providing visitors with easier access to attractions in the division and surrounding areas.
Among the tourism products with potential to be further promoted are the replica of Rentap Fortress at Bukit Sadok, a longhouse more than 100 years old as well as destinations in Kabong and Batang Ai.
“Travelling by air from Kuching to Bebuling takes only about 15 minutes, compared with around three hours by road,” he said.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah stressed that safety remained a priority before Bebuling STOLPort could be fully opened for commercial flights.
According to him, regulations and standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been put in place to ensure safe flight operations, while firefighting facilities have also been provided at the STOLPort.
He said further discussions on safety, operations and maintenance would continue before the licensing process and commercial operations are finalised.
In this regard, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah expressed hope that Bebuling STOLPort would not only provide a faster travel option, but also become a catalyst for local economic growth through the expansion of the agriculture, cargo handling, industry and tourism sectors.
"When the Sarawak Premier first announced the construction of this STOLPort, we wondered what it would be used for. But today, it is clear that this facility can drive economic activity and production while benefiting the community,” he added. -UKASnews
