AIR TRAVEL REMAINS A LIFELINE FOR MULU COMMUNITY

By Ammar Shafiq Hamzah

KUCHING, April 3 (Bernama) -- Tucked deep in northern Sarawak, the Mulu state constituency spans nearly 10,000 square kilometres, making it one of the largest in the state. But its sheer size comes with a challenge – navigating the vast terrain remains a struggle due to poor road networks, with most routes consisting of rugged logging roads.

For many in this remote region, air travel is not a luxury but a necessity. Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala stressed that Rural Air Services (RAS) remain the backbone of connectivity for villagers and longhouse communities scattered across the constituency.

“Travel by road can take anywhere between seven to 13 hours from Miri, depending on the terrain and weather. In some cases, the journey may not even be possible,” he told Bernama.

Mulu stands out as a constituency with an exceptional number of airports – five in total – a testament to its vastness and the vital role of air transportation in daily life.

The five Short Take-Off and Landing (STOLport) airports in Mulu are located at Mulu National Park, Bario, Long Banga, Long Seridan, and Long Lellang.

These airstrips are lifelines for locals, ensuring access to medical aid, supplies, and transportation.

The RAS programme, subsidised by the federal government, provides essential, non-commercial air services to remote parts of Sarawak and Sabah, where air travel is often the only viable mode of transport.

MASwings, which has operated RAS flights since 2007, continues to serve as the link between these rural settlements and the outside world.

According to Gerawat, RAS remains the most efficient and cost-effective means of transport for the community. Beyond passengers, flights are also crucial in delivering essential goods, including food and medical supplies.

Gerawat highlighted the unpredictability of road travel, where landslides, collapsed log bridges, and poor road conditions frequently cut off access to villages.

“Transporting goods over these rough roads is costly and unreliable. In contrast, air transport - despite being subsidised - is often the more practical and affordable option,” he explained.

He urged the government to continue subsidising RAS until a safe and reliable road network is established, emphasising that affordable fares, especially discounted rates for senior citizens, have been a great relief to the local community.

Looking ahead, Gerawat hopes to see upgrades to the five airport terminals in Mulu, particularly at Bario, which is the busiest RAS destination with three to four daily flights.

He envisions Bario becoming a transit hub, capable of accommodating larger ATR aircraft, which can carry up to 60 passengers and more cargo.

“Bario could serve as a gateway to the new Indonesian capital, Nusantara, and major towns in Kalimantan such as Samarinda, Balikpapan, and Malinau. This would bring significant economic benefits to the local community,” he added.

On Feb 12, Transport Minister Anthony Loke reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to subsidising RAS in Sarawak and Sabah, following the Sarawak government’s takeover of MASwings.

Loke announced that RM209 million has been allocated for RAS operations in 2024, ensuring continued connectivity for rural communities.

MASwings currently operates 40 routes across Sarawak and Sabah, using ATR72 and Twin Otter Viking aircraft.

For the people of Mulu, air travel remains more than just convenience - it is a lifeline. Until roads improve, the skies will continue to be their primary highway to the world.

-- BERNAMA