Long Banga and Ba’kelalan STOLports will share RM30 million in federal funding for upgrades targeted to start this year. Each rural airstrip has been allocated RM15 million from the Airport Development Fund. The money is approved, but design work and other preparations must be completed before construction can begin. The plans cover terminal improvements and possible runway extensions, depending on the physical conditions at each site. The current runway limits Twin Otter flights to nine passengers; a longer runway could raise that capacity, although the final scope is still being worked out. For communities in Sarawak’s northern interior, the two air links support access to schools, healthcare, supplies and town services across difficult terrain. The next concrete milestones are the design work, the construction schedule and a decision on whether either runway can be extended. Location: Long Banga and Ba’kelalan, Sarawak

北砂内陆的Long Banga与Ba’kelalan短程起降机场获联邦拨款3000万令吉升级，工程目标在今年内展开。 两座机场各获1500万令吉，款项来自联邦机场发展基金。升级工程包括改善航站楼设施，并视乎地形等实际条件，研究是否延长跑道；不过在动工前，仍须完成设计和其他前期准备。 目前Twin Otter航班受跑道长度限制，每趟最多搭载9名乘客。若跑道最终获准延长，机场载客能力或可提高，但现阶段还未确定具体工程范围。 这两条航线服务北砂偏远社区，关系到居民往返城镇、就医、上学和运输物资。接下来可留意设计方案、施工时间表，以及两座机场的跑道是否能够延长。 地点： 砂拉越Long Banga与Ba’kelalan