BARIO: The upgrade and runway extension project at Bario STOLport, valued at RM27 million, has achieved 65 per cent completion and remains on schedule for completion in October this year.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, said he was satisfied with the project’s progress, which he described as encouraging and on track.
“The project involves extending the runway from 665 metres to 930 metres, as well as resurfacing the existing runway, constructing additional aircraft parking bays, upgrading the perimeter fencing, and improving public parking facilities,” he said.
He said this when contacted by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today, following an official working visit on Tuesday to the Ba’ Kelalan and Bario STOLports by Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, together with representatives from the Sarawak Ministry of Transport (MOTS) and other relevant agencies.
He added that while the upgrade will not accommodate larger aircraft, it will significantly improve operational capacity for Twin Otter services.
“Although this project will not allow larger aircraft to operate in Bario, it will increase the capacity of Twin Otter aircraft from the current limit of nine passengers to 19 passengers once completed,” he said.
Gerawat, who is also the Mulu assemblyman, said the project is important in strengthening rural air connectivity, especially for communities in Bario and Ba’ Kelalan that rely heavily on air transport as their main link to other parts of Sarawak.
Once completed, he said the upgraded facility will enhance safety, comfort, and operational efficiency while also supporting economic development, tourism growth, and the well-being of local residents.
He also confirmed that flight operations to Bario have not been disrupted during construction.
“Runway works are only carried out after the last flight departs from Bario, usually between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm,” he said.
At Bario, the delegation was briefed by the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) on the project’s status before inspecting the construction site.
At Ba’ Kelalan STOLport, they received a briefing from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) on the condition of airport facilities before touring the terminal and runway.
