The Sarawak Transport Minister said the projects were approved following continued engagement and technical assessments by his ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia.

The upgrades will include improvements to terminal facilities and, where feasible, runway improvements or extensions, subject to site conditions and technical assessments.

The projects are expected to enhance operational capabilities, flight safety and air connectivity for surrounding rural communities, Lee said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN on Moday.

Meanwhile, other airport development initiatives across Sarawak, including the upgrading of Limbang Airport and Bario STOLport, as well as the proposed development of Lawas Airport and Bebuling STOLport, are progressing as scheduled, he added.

Lee also told the DUN that the cause of the helicopter crash at Long Lellang on Sept 8, 2026, which claimed five lives, had yet to be determined as the safety investigation remained ongoing.

The Preliminary Investigation Report on the accident involving a Layang-Layang Aerospace helicopter (9M-LLF), which was operating the Flying Doctor Service, was published by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Oct 16.

The report was also presented to the Federal Cabinet by the Transport Minister of Malaysia, he said.

The crash claimed the lives of the pilot and four medical personnel who were providing essential medical services to rural and remote communities.

Lee also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and expressed his appreciation to the rescue agencies and other parties involved in the aftermath of the tragedy.

He said further technical examinations and analysis of evidence were being carried out to establish the circumstances and contributing factors of the accident.

The final investigation report is expected to be completed within one year of the accident.

Credits: Churchill Edward, The Borneo Post 2026