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

Northern Sarawak’s connectivity plan is moving toward a direct Limbang–Lawas link, with the new route intended to reduce reliance on paths through Brunei. The agreement signed in Lawas on Aug 26 brings Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) together to use communications infrastructure already owned in Sarawak. It includes SESCO’s Virtual Fibre network, with the overall network alignment reported at about 1,926 kilometres. The gap is felt in everyday services. Businesses in Lawas have faced e-payment problems, while the Lawas district police headquarters has also experienced internet issues despite its role in disaster management. Better links would support education, healthcare, government services and emergency response across the two northern divisions. This is an infrastructure agreement, not a switch-on notice. The parties have not given a launch date, coverage map or speed target, so the next meaningful update will be where the route reaches and whether service interruptions ease.

BCCK now has Sarawak's first live indoor 5G coverage, aimed at keeping large events online without the usual crowd-network slowdown. [image: 1784109896030-bcck-5g.jpeg] Source: DayakDaily / UKAS Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) has upgraded its digital infrastructure with an in-building 5G coverage system at BCCK 1. The system covers more than 3,740 square metres and is meant to support high-density use during conferences, exhibitions and major gatherings. Location: Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) Details: Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said 5G speeds can reach more than 1,100Mbps, compared with about 200Mbps on 4G. The upgrade is also seen as a base for future connectivity at BCCK 2 once the expansion is ready. For visitors, exhibitors and event crews, this should mean smoother digital registration, livestreaming and online services when the hall is packed. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?