KUCHING: People have been told to be wary of opposition ploys to get attention especially with the general election round the corner.
Deputy Community Welfare Minister Mohammad Razi Sitam said in some instances they were clearly distorting the facts on the status of development projects awaited by the people.
“For example, the opposition’s incorrect claims regarding the STOLport Bebuling construction project recently went viral on social media.
“Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who is also the assemblyman for the area (Bukit Saban), when he visited the project last Thursday, stated that there was no issue … the construction of STOLport Bebuling did not have the potential to be a ‘sick project’ as claimed by the opposition,” he said.
He stressed that the Sarawak government does not take lightly the construction of STOLport Bebuling which is a high impact project for this part of Betong.
“We are grateful that STOLport Bebuling received an injection of additional funds from the Sarawak government not only to transport agricultural products, but its latest specification is also to carry passengers.
“It means that when it is completed, I am sure it will have a big impact on Betong and its residents as a whole,” he said.
The project was originally scheduled to be completed on March 18, 2023, but was revised to February 10, 2024 following a change in specifications in the overall plan after a visit by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg early last year.
According to Uggah the Premier voiced dissatisfaction over the original length of the runway which limited the type of aircraft that could land.
“Therefore, the proposal to extend the runway was brought to the Cabinet and the decision has been made. The new cost after the revision of the specifications reached RM250 million, compared to the original cost of RM108 million.
“The extension will allow aircraft such as the 2.7 ton Cessna 408 with a capacity of 19 passengers and the 2.3 ton Beechcraft King Air (11 passengers) to land, in addition to the 1.8 ton DHC 6 Twin Otter (19 passengers) and the 1.4 ton Cessnax208 Caravan (with nine passengers) .
“Other additions include the construction of dignitaries lounge, X-ray screening and security system, baggage check-in and public parking as well as larger staff and other necessary equipment facilities,” he said.
Uggah is optimistic that STOLport Bebuling can be completed on schedule.
