BETONG: The construction of the Short Take-off and Landing airports (STOLports) undertaken by the Sarawak government in the state will enable fresh farm products to be transported to a wider market.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the one to be built in Spaoh was in tandem with plans to make Betong a food basket area.
“For us to develop Betong as a food basket area, we need to have the access, and that is by building this airport so that the food products can travel fast with the availability of air cargo,” he said when officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony of the Bebuling Airport in Spaoh yesterday (Nov 30).
He added that STOLport was also part of the state’s agenda in making Sarawak a net food exporter by the year 2030.
“Our plans have shown results following the setting up of our Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Singapore (Statos) and we have received orders for our tilapia, midin (jungle ferns) and from Singapore, it is being exported to other countries.
“Just two weeks ago, our officer in Statos informed us that a Sarawakian company called Kin Hin has agreed to buy our gula apong (nipah palm sugar) and export to Singapore for three years.
“This means that there is already a response from the people outside Sarawak on our local products,” he said.
He thus said, with the STOLport, perishable goods could reach Singapore faster so that their freshness would be maintained for consumers.
“This is the promise I have delivered to develop Betong and its surrounding area. These are not empty promises.
“With this development, it will give a positive impact to the people especially in the areas of agriculture and tourism,” he said, adding that another potential area in terms of tourism in Betong was Batang Ai.
Meanwhile, besides the RM108 million Bebuling STOLport, another STOLport would be built in Bukit Mabong, Kapit as well as in Lawas.
Later when asked if Spoah would be upgraded from a sub-district to a full district, Abang Johari said that “Wait first, I do not have the power now.”
Also present was Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
