Sarawak: A date for commercial flights at Bebuling Short Take-Off and Landing (STOLport) in Spaoh, near here, has yet to be set despite the successful completion of a test flight today at the RM248.03 million facility. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that the date for commercial operations remains undetermined and will only be decided after discussions with relevant parties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, safety, operational, maintenance, and licensing requirements must be finalized before commercial flights can commence. "In practical terms, the test flight has been completed and went smoothly. We are very happy that today we were able to see this airport being used," Uggah mentioned in a post on his Facebook page today.

The STOLport features a 1.119-kilometre runway, accommodating small to medium-sized aircraft like the Beechcraft King Air. Uggah highlighted the facility's potential to manage passengers and cargo, including agricultural products from the nearby 1,000-hectare Agro Park.

The STOLport is anticipated to bolster the tourism sector in Betong, with flights between Kuching and Bebuling reducing travel time to about 15 minutes compared to the approximately three-hour journey by road.