Sarawak government to upgrade rural airports so to strength air connectivity

KUCHING, Jan 2 2026: The state government will conduct a comprehensive studies to review and upgrade rural airports as part of the broader efforts to strengthen air connectivity and support the future expansion of regional air services in the state.

Lee Kim Shin: At present aircraft operations at certain rural airports are constrained by short runways, limiting passenger capacity for safety reasons. 

Minister for Transport Lee Kim Shin said these include assessing existing rural airstrips that may require improvements, particularly those serving areas not easily accessible by road or other modes of transport.

He said several rural airports fall under federal jurisdiction, and proposals for upgrading, including runway extensions, will be brought up with the federal government to enhance operational capacity and safety.

“One of such projects currently underway is the extension of the runway at Bario Airport, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, allowing it to accommodate twin-engine aircraft more effectively,” he told reporters after witnessing the inaugural flight of state-owned AirBorneo at the Kuching International Airport today.

He explained that at present, aircraft operations at certain rural airports are constrained by short runways, limiting passenger capacity for safety reasons despite aircraft being capable of carrying up to 90 passengers.

He noted that Sarawak’s aviation development is being implemented in phases, with the current focus on strengthening existing rural air services before progressing towards the next phase of becoming a regional airline.

“This next phase will require compliance with additional regulatory requirements, including changes to our air operator’s licence, and will involve detailed studies on aircraft types and operational models,” he said.

He stressed that all decisions will be made professionally based on expert studies, adding that no announcements on aircraft selection or regional jet operations will be made prematurely.

Touching on the inaugural flights earlier in the day, Lee said the Kuching–Mukah flight recorded 54 passengers, while the Kuching–Tanjung Manis flight carried 15 passengers.

He described the figures as an encouraging start for the airline in 2026, particularly for routes that play an important role in connecting coastal and rural communities.

He added that Sarawak has long-term aspirations for the growth of air services in areas such as Mukah, in line with broader development and connectivity goals.

Dr Sim: Tok Nan's New Year's wish was longevity, 11 days later, he passed away

KUCHING, Jan 2 2026: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian recalled he and the then Chief Minister Adenan Satem were in a hotel in Melbourne, Australia, just before the New Year’s eve countdown to 2016.

Caption: Former Chief Minister the late  Adenan Satem and Dr Sim Sim Kui Hian visiting the Shrine of Remembrance in Victoria, Australia. Facebook/Dr Sim Kui Hian 

He said he asked Tok Nan:”Tan Sri, in an hour’s time, it will be 2017. Do you have any wish for 2017?

He recalled Adenan’s reply: “ None.”

Dr Sim said he asked again:” Tan Sri, surely you have one wish?”

Tok Nan looked at him in his eyes:” Longevity.”

He said he and Tok Nan, as he was fondly known, were talking their wishes when a New Year’s wish was brought up.

“Eleven  days later, Tok Nan passed away after we returned home to Kuching from Melbourne on Jan 1, 2017,” Dr Sim wrote on his Facebook today.

He said he accompanied Tok Nan who was on a year-end break in Australia at the end of the year 2016.

Dr Sim said he did not realise it was Adenan’s final overseas trip as 11 days later, he passed away 11 days later, on January 11, 2017.

“(I have) few vivid memories which I was very fortunate, privilege and honour to have the opportunity to learn from Adenan’s wisdom,” Dr Sim wrote.

“When we walked around the park of Shrine of Remembrance for Australia New Zealand War Memorial (ANZAC) It was built to honour the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I.

 “Adenan commented: ” Sim, after this war, the Australians finally grew up into adulthood! No longer just a UK colony!” he recalled.

Dr Sim said he recently drove drove past the Shrine in St Kilda Road,  and he started reminding himself of what he and Tok Nan wanted Sarawak nation building enter adulthood.

Dr Sim and his family were in Australia recently for a year-end break.

 

 

Follow evacuation orders, Uggah advises residents in flood-prone areas in view of unpredictable weather conditions

KUCHING, Jan 1 2026: Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to strictly follow evacuation orders issued by the authorities to mitigate safety risks in view of the current unpredictable weather conditions.

Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah:  Continuous rain is forecast to occur over the next two to three days, coinciding with a predicted 'king tide' phenomenon between January 2 and 4

 
Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Douglas Uggah Embas said that water levels can rise rapidly, stressing public cooperation is vital to ensure the protection of lives.

"Past experiences, such as the flooding in Bintulu, have demonstrated how dangerous the situation can become in a very short time," he said.

"As such, I appeal to the public and local leaders to provide their full cooperation to the relevant agencies to prevent any untoward incidents and to ensure the welfare of evacuees at Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) is maintained."

Uggah, who is also the Deputy Premier , was speaking to reporters after chairing the SDMC meeting at the Sarawak State Disaster Control Centre (SDCC) in Wisma Bapa Malaysia this afternoon.

According to him, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) has forecast continuous rain over the next two to three days, which coinciding with a predicted 'king tide' phenomenon between  January 2 and 4, may further increase water levels, particularly in low-lying areas.

He said SDMC has directed all divisional and district committees to reassess their readiness, including the preparation of evacuation centres, with a specific focus on hygiene and basic facilities.

He added that the Social Welfare Department has prepared food supplies and essential equipment through established supply hubs and appointed contractors.

Additionally, the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) has been tasked with conducting health screenings and ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) at all centres.

To date, five Temporary Evacuation Centres have been opened in the Kuching area to house flood victims: Stapok Community Hall, Sinar Budi Baru Hall, Surau Ar-Rahman in Kampung Sungai Batu, Taman Malihah Hall, and Surau Nurul Najin in Kampung Darul Stapok.