BETONG: The economic well-being of local communities is expected to soar after they are connected to air services in the next two years.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas officiated at the ground-breaking for the Bebuling STOLport in Spaoh on Tuesday (Nov 30).
A STOLport is an airport that caters to short take-off and landing operations.
Uggah said once operational it would be particularly a boon for those engaged in the surrounding food basket areas.
He said this was part of the state government’s initiatives to accentuate the great potential offered by local industry.
“This is indeed such a great gift for the surrounding populations because this airport will be built with the objective to transport goods from the food basket areas near here.
“The potential in this area is there and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as a far-sighted leader has approved a food terminal to be incorporated into the airport as its backup service.
“Similarly, two agro parks in Lubuk Tamang in Debak and Bebuling have also been proposed on top of having to build an abattoir to accommodate Salcra’s cattle rearing projects.
“So there are many ongoing projects to support the construction of the airport and all these are being implemented to support local industry,” he said.
Uggah, who is also Bukit Saban incumbent, said the income level of the local communities was also expected to significantly increase upon the completion of the airport in 2023.
“The production of vegetables, meat, local delicacies and other local products will increase. This is the state government’s goal to improve the standard of living of the rural populations.”
The deputy chief minister also expressed his gratitude to Abang Johari for his people-centric approach and commitment to leading Sarawak, adding that he was looking forward to more development in the state in the years to come.
“This is the leader that we should support and give the mandate for another five years on Dec 18 (polling day). This is because we want to continue developing Sarawak and we want stability.
“Looking around Sarawak, (Abang Johari) is the only one who can assure Sarawakians a better future and better development for the coming generations,” he added.
As such, he called on the people to pledge their support for the GPS government in the coming election.
“The people of Layar, Bukit Saban and Saribas are committed to give the chief minister our full support,” he said.
