By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 14: Betong Division and its surrounding areas are set to benefit from air service by November this year with the completion of the Bebuling STOLport.
According to a press release, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas revealed that the service will be provided through Sarawak’s own airline, Air Borneo.
He made this announcement after inspecting the progress of three major projects in his Bukit Saban state constituency today.
The projects include the RM248 million Bebuling STOLport, which is currently 73.77 per cent complete, the RM16 million Bebuling Collecting, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC), and the RM36 million Sungai Paku Bridge.
“The CPPC is almost ready, with only minor touch-ups left. Developed by the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), the facility aims to support economic activities within the 1,000 acres surrounding the STOLport.
“We have selected four companies to operate in the area. The CPPC will collect, process, and pack their products, which can then be transported by air to markets immediately,” Uggah explained.
On the Sungai Paku Bridge, which is 65.88 per cent complete, Uggah said it is also expected to be ready by November.
He was accompanied by Betong MP Dato Dr Richard Rapu, JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris, and Betong Resident Richard M Abunawas during the site visit.
Uggah, who also serves as the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, highlighted Sarawak’s ongoing transformation through major infrastructure projects, particularly in rural areas.
“Our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is committed to ensuring rural areas are connected with good road networks and bridges to boost economic potential and increase people’s income.
“We are building the Coastal Road, the Second Trunk Road, and upgrading timber roads,” he said.
Additionally, Sarawak is constructing the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road 1 at a cost of RM1 billion and the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road 2 for RM7.1 billion.
The State is also working on 16 bridges statewide.
“By this month, the Jepak Bridge in Bintulu and the Batang Rajang Bridge near Sibu will be open to the public.
“By April, the Saribas 1 Bridge will be ready, while the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge, the longest river-crossing bridge in the country, will also be completed.
“The Lingga Bridge in Sri Aman is ready, but we are awaiting the completion of access roads on both sides,” Uggah added. — DayakDaily
