Minister: Bario STOLport upgrading project ahead of schedule

Borneo Post

25-06-2025

(From fourth left) Lee, Gerawat and others give their thumb-up to the progress of the upgrading project for the STOLport.
MIRI (June 25): The upgrading project for the Bario Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) has reached 30.46 per cent completion as of May this year, surpassing its original schedule of 26.63 per cent by 3.83 per cent, said state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
Lee, who conducted a working visit to the project site yesterday, said the project is scheduled for completion by March 3, 2026, and is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and safety levels of the STOLport.
'Once completed, the upgraded facility will allow Twin Otter aircraft to operate at full capacity, carrying up to 19 passengers per flight,' he said.
'Currently, due to safety regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), flights are restricted to carrying only nine passengers.'
The ongoing upgrade includes runway extension and resurfacing, which will support higher passenger load and improve the aircraft's weight-bearing capability.
'This will significantly benefit the rural community in Bario, particularly by improving air connectivity and service capacity,' Lee added.
However, he acknowledged that unpredictable weather remains a major challenge for flight operations in Bario, with all flights restricted to departure before 4pm daily due to cloud cover.
'To accommodate more passengers during festive seasons such as Pesta Nukenen and Christmas, we will be discussing possible solutions with local assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, including increasing flight frequency,' he said.
Adding on, Lee noted that the STOLport remains a vital lifeline for the highland region, providing access to healthcare, education, essential goods, economic activities, and tourism, especially given the limited road access.
'Hence, it is the priority of the ministry and elected representatives to ensure that this facility remains safe, efficient, and responsive to the people's needs at all times.'
The project is being implemented with over RM20 million in funding from the federal government through the federal Ministry of Transport.
The main scope of work involves extending the current 671-metre runway to 930 metres with a width of 18 metres, allowing for full-load take-offs including baggage.
Other components include resurfacing the original runway to enhance durability, constructing a new clearway to improve take-off performance, installing a new perimeter fence, wind direction indicator, and an Automated Weather System (AWS) for better weather monitoring and flight planning. Minor repairs to the terminal building are also being carried out.
'These upgrades are expected to boost the safety, reliability, and continuity of flight operations in highland areas like Bario, especially in challenging weather conditions,' said Lee.
He added that his ministry has also submitted a proposal for additional federal funding to construct a dual-use aircraft parking apron capable of accommodating two DHC6 Twin Otters and two EC175 helicopters, as well as a new connecting taxiway.
He said further proposals include resurfacing the parking area in front of the terminal building to improve user convenience and enhance the airport's appearance.
'These enhancements are crucial to ensuring the STOLport meets higher operational standards and offers better comfort to users.'
Lee also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in the project, particularly the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak as the implementing agency for their commitment to timely and safe project execution.
He also thanked CAAM for ensuring regulatory compliance and certification, along with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) for overseeing daily operations at the STOLport. Air travel Bario STOLport lead Lee Kim Shin rural community