By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 26: Betong could soon take on a new role in Sarawak’s aviation sector, with a Flying Academy proposed for Bebuling to train pilots, cabin crew and drone operators.
The proposal was raised by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who said the academy could build on existing aviation facilities in the area while creating new economic opportunities for Betong.
Speaking before Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Uggah said the Bebuling and Tanjung Manis STOLports could work together for pilot training, with the relatively low volume of aircraft movements providing a suitable environment for trainees.
“We do not have many planes coming in, so it is a good place to learn to become a pilot,” Uggah said during the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Betong today, which was broadcast live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook.
Beyond pilot training, Uggah said the proposed academy could also offer cabin crew training, potentially opening a pathway for local youths to enter the aviation industry, including with AirBorneo.
“We also hope to have cabin crew training at CENTEXS. Every year during Gawai Dayak, we have many ‘Kumang’ who could become cabin crew with AirBorneo.
“We also hope to have drone pilot training, Sir,” he added.
Uggah also envisaged a wider aviation ecosystem in Betong, including flight simulators, workshops, smart hangars and aviation refuelling facilities.
Backing the proposal, Abang Johari said the Flying Academy could also serve an emerging need — producing licensed drone pilots to support Sarawak’s move towards modern agriculture.
“We want to develop modern agriculture, and we need drones. You must have someone to pilot the drone, and to pilot a drone, you must have a licence. Our farmers must have a licence. If they cannot operate the drones themselves, their children can use drones to apply fertiliser to their crops.
“Drones are essential, apart from aircraft, of course. That is why I support having a Flying Academy here, together with the private sector, because there is a licensing requirement. If our airspace is free, they can learn how to operate drones here,” he said.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Abang Johari said the Bebuling STOLport would have a wider impact on Betong by improving connectivity with Kuching and potentially serving as a hub linking the division with other destinations.
“The impact is indeed significant because this is the only facility we are providing for Betong. We can have scheduled flights, and if there is high demand, we want more flights,” he said.
He also stated that the priority was to get the STOLport operational first, after which it could potentially become a Betong hub connected to Kuching’s airport and other destinations.
Abang Johari said the improved connectivity could also support domestic tourism and allow visitors, including expatriates working in Kuching, to travel to Betong and explore its attractions.
“Let us start with the STOLport first. If it can become a hub for Betong, it can connect us with our airport in Kuching and other destinations. This can support domestic tourism, allowing people to see the attractions in Betong,” he said.
On when the STOLport is expected to begin operations, Abang Johari said the target remained tied to its completion.
“We will maintain the target given to Datuk Douglas. Once it is completed, it can be classified as a STOLport, with the necessary insurance coverage, and only then can flights come in,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily
