Industry / Know Your STOLports
Know Your STOLports
1. Analysis of Public Service Obligation (PSO) Destinations in Sarawak and Sabah
Miri, Sarawak
| Â | Miri | ||||||||
| Brief background | Both Miri and Marudi districts fall under the Miri Division. Miri, the second Sarawakian city (Kuching being first) is where the state’s lucrative business of petroleum and natural gas began in 1910. The industry developed the small village into what it is today. As the hub of rural air services in Sarawak, Miri connects to the other Rural Air Services (RAS) destinations within a 55-minute flight, excluding Mukah in the south-west, which is a 1 hour and 10-minute flight. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Marudi, 45 minutes by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Government offices, colleges and universities, banks, public and private hospitals, telecommunications, airports, chain hotels, shopping malls, museums | ||||||||
| Population: | 300,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Oil and gas, palm oil and tourism | ||||||||
| Administration: | Miri District (Miri Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Locals, rural communities, retirees, government officials, private sectors, business owners | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
The total number of MASwings passengers departing from and arriving in Miri from 2016 to 2019 is shown below. A downward trend is seen during the three-year period, with a decrease of -27.45% in 2017 and -3.45% in 2018. The average per year is 237,155 inbound and outbound passengers.
Source: MASwings |
Marudi, Sarawak
| Â | Marudi | ||||||||
| Brief background | Marudi is a district under the Miri Division. The district has one sub-district which is Mulu. Marudi was the administrative centre for northern Sarawak before the discovery of oil in Miri in 1910. Today, Marudi is the secondary hub for the other air bases; Mulu, Bario, Long Akah, Long Lellang, Long Seridan and Long Banga. Although the district is within 90 minutes to Miri by road, Marudi is the main and most convenient centre for rural communities to seek basic services from government agencies, further studies (secondary school and above), ATMs, or get supplies for power generator without having to go to Miri. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Miri, 90 minutes by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Government offices, secondary schools, mission schools, GIATMARA (technical and vocational), banks and ATMs, hospital and clinics, telecommunications | ||||||||
| Population: | 64,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Palm oil | ||||||||
| Administration: | Marudi District (Miri Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Locals, rural communities, retirees, government officials, private sectors, students, government officials | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
The total number of passengers departing from and arriving in Marudi from 2016 to 2019 is shown below. There is almost a 50% drop in inbound and outbound passengers recorded in 2019 as compared to the previous year.
Source: MASwings |
Bakelalan, Sarawak
| Â | Bakelalan | ||||||||
| Brief background | Cultivation of upland rice is the main economic activity for the communities of Bakelalan, however today they are also diversifying into the business of tourism with the growing popularity of hiking up to Mount Murud, sometimes for religious retreats. The local church is large enough (1,000 pax) to host a religious conference biennially in July which also attracts foreigners. There are about 30 homestays operating in the village. Bakelalan is about an hour’s journey to Long Bawan, at the border of Indonesia at East Kalimantan. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Lawas, 6 hours by road (logging trail road) ; Bario, 1 hour by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Police, army, immigration, homestays, meeting halls | ||||||||
| Population: | 1,250 (2019 estimate) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Farming (rice), rock salt, tourism – trekking and bird watching | ||||||||
| Administration: | Village under Lawas District (Limbang Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Locals, retirees, tourists | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
Bakelalan has an average of 3,345 inbound and outbound passengers from 2016 to 2019.
Source: MASwings |
Bario, Sarawak
| Â | Bario | ||||||||
| Brief background | Products of the sub-district of Bario include the premium Bario rice, of which 50,000 tonnes are exported to Peninsula Malaysia (Mardi). The community, who are mostly Kelabit people, are developing their own pineapple industry with the help of government grants. Every year in July, a local ethnic food and cultural festival, Pesta Nukenen, is held here and attended by about 1,000 people. Tourism in Bario is also growing as its location in the Kelabit Highlands and distance to the Pulong Tau National Park is suitable for tourism activities. Rations and food supplies for own consumption and guest use are brought in from Miri and Marudi. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Bakelalan, 1 hour by road; Miri, 12 hours by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Secondary schools, solar power stations, homestays | ||||||||
| Population: | 5,000 (2019 estimate) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Agriculture (rice, pineapple), rock salt, tourism | ||||||||
| Administration: | Sub-district of Miri (Miri Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Locals, retirees, tourists | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
There is a steady demand for passengers travelling into and from Bario as seen below. The average is 19,051 passengers per year.
Source: MASwings |
Lawas, Sarawak
| Â | Lawas | ||||||||
| Brief background | Lawas is the furthest Sarawakian town from Kuching, and only about 3 hours by road to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. The STOLport is the busiest with flights coming in from Miri (38x weekly) and Kota Kinabalu (twice weekly). Lawas connects to Limbang twice weekly and Bakelalan thrice weekly. Despite the busy schedule, operations at Lawas STOLport face risks of flooding at least once or twice yearly. The communities at Lawas will benefit from the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway which is expected to be completed by 2023. The other nearest town is Temburong in Brunei, which is an hour by road from Lawas. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Limbang, 1 hour by road; Kota Kinabalu, 3 hours by road; Miri, 4 hours by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Immigration, customs, Post office, banks, hospitals, secondary schools, technical colleges | ||||||||
| Population: | 45,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Palm oil | ||||||||
| Administration: | Lawas District (Limbang Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Locals, retirees, private sector (contractors), prisoners | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
The average inbound and outbound passengers per year is 35,578 from 2016-2019.
Source: MASwings |
Limbang, Sarawak
| Â | Limbang | ||||||||
| Brief background | Limbang has a unique location. It is a part of Sarawak that is sandwiched between the two parts of Brunei. Due to this geographical state, Limbang is cut off from the main road network in Sarawak. The district has long been practising cross-border trade with the neighbouring country since as early as 1900. Limbang people who wish to travel to Miri by road will need to pass the immigration post in Brunei. Domestic air travel and ferry will by-pass this. This is the closest town for a stable internet connection and financial institutions for the rural community. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Lawas, 50 minutes by road; Temburong (Brunei), 30 minutes by road; Bandar Seri Begawan, 1 hour by road; Miri, 3 hours by road pass immigration; Labuan, 2 hours by ferry | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Government offices, hospitals and clinics, banks and ATMs, jetty, secondary schools, hotels | ||||||||
| Population: | 47,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Cross-border economy, palm oil, timber, rubber | ||||||||
| Administration: | Limbang District (Limbang Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Locals, business owners, government officials | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
Total average inbound and outbound passengers in Limbang for the years 2016-2019 is 24,796.
Source: MASwings |
Long Akah, Sarawak
| Â | Long Akah | ||||||||
| Brief background | There are settlements close to Long Akah STOLport including the well-known Long San, the principal home for the Kenyah community’s arts and culture. The passengers taking the Long Akah flight were mostly retirees and teachers who travel to visit their family members in Miri. The Long Akah STOLport is serving the population in sporadic settlement within a 2km to 30km radius. There is a secondary school at Long San, rarely seen in these remote areas. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Miri, 5 hours by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Primary and secondary schools (Long San), clinics, Agriculture Department sub-stations, homestays | ||||||||
| Population: | 1,200 (2019 estimate) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Farming, tourism | ||||||||
| Administration: | Village under the Marudi District (Miri Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Retirees, teachers, nurses, government officials | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
The average total passengers for 2016-2019 is 932 going and coming from Long Akah.
Source: MASwings |
Long Banga, Sarawak
| Â | Long Banga | ||||||||
| Brief background | Long Banga is located on the upper Baram River. In 2010, the Federal Government placed a mini hydroelectricity dam generating 720 kilowatt (kW) at Long Banga reaching up to nearby villages such as Long Peluan and Long Beruang. With steady power flowing, it is convenient for villages to start homestay business for tourism purposes. Long Banga is very close to the border of North Kalimantan. The flight to Long Banga has one stop at Marudi. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Miri, 6-10 hours by road; Marudi 5-6 hours by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Primary schools, clinics | ||||||||
| Population: | 600 (2019 estimate) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Farming, tourism | ||||||||
| Administration: | Village under the Marudi District (Miri Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Retirees, teachers, nurses, government officials | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
Number of passengers maintained from 2016. Average passengers are 1,964 per year.
Source: MASwings |
Long Lellang, Sarawak
| Â | Long Lellang | ||||||||
| Brief background | Long Lellang is generally divided into two villages: Long Lellang A and Long Lellang B, with residents mostly of the Kelabit and Penan communities. Its location is close to the border of Kalimantan like Bario and Long Banga, however it can still take between 4 to 6 days to hike there in thick jungle. Whilst general rations and food supplies come in from Miri, Long Lellang’s local produce such as coffee and rice are marketed out. Other than air transportation, cargo (and fuel) can be brought in via long boats, on a two-hour ride before a car takes over the rest of the journey to Marudi. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Marudi, 6 hours by road; Miri, 7 hours by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Primary school, clinic, weekly flying doctors | ||||||||
| Population: | 600 (2019 estimate) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Farming, new venture: coffee | ||||||||
| Administration: | Village under the Marudi District (Miri Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Retirees, teachers, nurses, government officials | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
The average total passengers for 2016-2019 is 1,960 going and coming from Long Lellang.
Source: MASwings |
Long Seridan, Sarawak
| Â | Long Seridan | ||||||||
| Brief background | Long Seridan may be one of the least populated villages that MASwings flies to, the communities taking flights are mostly senior citizens who travel to visit friends and families in Miri and Marudi. Long Seridan’s load factor has averaged around 60% since 2010. Younger generation who need to be connected digitally travel to north to Limbang for better data connection. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Limbang, 3 hours by road; Miri and Marudi, 7 hours by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Primary schools, temporary clinics, homestays, solar power | ||||||||
| Population: | 200 (2019 estimate) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Farming, volunteerism (Penans) | ||||||||
| Administration: | Village under the Marudi District (Miri Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Retirees, teachers, nurses, government officials | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
The average total passengers for 2016-2019 is 1,324 going and coming from Long Seridan.
Source: MASwings |
Mulu, Sarawak
| Â | Mulu | ||||||||
| Brief background | Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Sarawak’s major tourism destinations. Mulu is only accessible by flight and long boat, and visitors come to Mulu during seasonal periods between March to August. Mulu is in a valley surrounded by mountainous regions. Electricity in Mulu including the airport, is powered by generators generally starting at dusk (6pm onwards), however in some places, electricity is available between 7am to 10pm. Instances of power outage is common. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Marudi, 5-6 hours by long boats | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Resort (Marriot), homestays, clinics, primary schools, administrative offices | ||||||||
| Population: | 2,000 (2019 estimate) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Tourism, national parks, homestays | ||||||||
| Administration: | Sub-district of Miri (Miri Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Tourists, tourism operators | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
The average total number of passengers going and coming out of Mulu is 11,738 for the years 2016-2019.
Source: MASwings |
Mukah, Sarawak
| Â | Mukah | ||||||||
| Brief background | Mukah is a coastal town that is being developed into an industrial hub. The State Government is currently building a new airport for Mukah which can cater for larger aircrafts such as Air Traffic Rights (ATRs). The construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. The Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), the agency in charge of developing the Sarawak Corridor of Renewal Energy (SCORE), is headquartered at Mukah. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Sibu, 1 hour by road; Bintulu, 2 hours by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), hotels, resorts, schools, hospitals, district offices | ||||||||
| Population: | 43,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Fisheries, agriculture, sago-based products, industrial, mining, water treatment | ||||||||
| Administration: | Mukah District (Mukah Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Private sector, government officials, students | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
The average total passengers going to and coming out of Mukah is 36,455 for 2016-2019.
Source: MASwings |
Tanjung Manis, Sarawak
| Â | Tanjung Manis | ||||||||
| Brief background | Tanjung Manis is an integrated port city that is being developed into the primary export and import hub for the central region of Sarawak. Before there was road access, Tanjung Manis was only accessible by river. The current road leading to Tanjung Manis from Sibu passes a total of eight bridges. Amongst the industries set up in Tanjung Manis are halal food industry, oil and gas, processed timber including furniture industry and fishery. The Tanjung Manis STOLport is operated by the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Sarikei, 40 minutes by road; Sibu, 1 hour by road; Kuching, 3.5 hours by ferry | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Deep sea port, boat terminal, golf course, health clinic | ||||||||
| Population: | 35,000 (2019 estimate) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Food industries, shipbuilding, agriculture, aquaculture, timber processing, deep-sea fishery, CPO bulking | ||||||||
| Administration: | Tanjung Manis District (Mukah Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Palm oil, timber, private sectors, government officials | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
The average total number of passengers per year for Tanjung Manis is 5,029 between 2016-2019.
Source: MASwings |
Kuching, Sarawak
| Â | Kuching | ||||||||
| Brief background | As the capital city of Sarawak, Kuching also connects to a few routes designated under the PSO, mostly to the urban routes – therefore only the ATRs under MASwings fly to Kuching. The other commercial airline that operates out of Kuching International Airport connecting to Sarawak urban areas is AirAsia. Previously MASwings connected Kuching to the urban RAS routes such as Bintulu and Sibu, however both destinations have opened as commercial routes and are currently operated by AirAsia. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | – | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Various | ||||||||
| Population: | 595,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Main administrative and economic centre for Sarawak | ||||||||
| Administration: | Capital city (Kuching Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Various | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
Number of passengers using the RAS by MASwings from Kuching has decreased since AirAsia has been taken over some of the urban routes.
Source: MASwings |
Sibu, Sarawak
| Â | Sibu | ||||||||
| Brief background | Sibu is the largest port and commercial centre in the Rejang Basin and the gateway to central Sarawak. It is the third most populous place of the state, after Miri where most of its people are Chinese, hence it is also known as ‘Foochow town’. Until the 1990s, the lucrative timber business benefitted many Sibu residents. Sibu is connected to the PSO routes such as Miri and Bintulu as well as regional destinations including two international connections, which are Singapore by AirAsia and Bandar Seri Begawan by RB Link. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Sarikei, 1 hour by road (60km); Kuching, 6 hours by road (312km) | ||||||||
| Facilities: |
Resident offices, district offices, public and private hospitals, river ports, shopping malls, schools and colleges |
||||||||
| Population: | 240,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Timber and shipbuilding industries | ||||||||
| Administration: | Sibu District (Sibu Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Various | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
Number of passengers using the RAS by MASwings from Sibu has decreased since AirAsia has been taken over some of the urban routes.
Source: MASwings |
Bintulu, Sarawak
| Â | Bintulu | ||||||||
| Brief background | The discovery of oil and gas off the coast of Bintulu in 1969 created a lot of job opportunities for the rural communities to migrate to Bintulu. The State Government through SCORE developed the Samalaju Industrial Park in Bintulu, which is also Malaysia’s biggest single industry park. Like Sibu, Bintulu is connected to the PSO routes as well as regional destinations including two international connections, which are Singapore by AirAsia and Bandar Seri Begawan by RB Link. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Mukah, 2 hours by road (150km); Miri, 3 hours by road (200km) | ||||||||
| Facilities: |
Ports, universities and educational institutions, public and private hospitals, national parks, shopping malls, hotels, courts |
||||||||
| Population: | 184,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Oil and gas, oil palm, forestry, cement, wood-based industries | ||||||||
| Administration: | Bintulu district (Bintulu Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Various | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
Number of passengers using the RAS by MASwings from Bintulu has decreased since AirAsia has been taken over some of the urban routes.
Source: MASwings |
Kudat, Sabah
| Â | Kudat | ||||||||
| Brief background | Kudat was the capital of British North Borneo (now Sabah) in 1882 before it was moved to Sandakan. This northern-most district of Sabah also forms the tip of the entire Borneo island. Traditionally a fishing town, Kudat was the centre for coconut plantation for Sabah, however much of the land has now been converted to the more lucrative oil palm plantation. Its location along the coast makes it ideal for tourism operators to run businesses there. When completed, the Pan-Borneo Highway will pass Kudat from Sandakan before making its way down to Kota Kinabalu towards the Sabah-Sarawak border. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Kota Kinabalu, 3 hours by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Resorts and hotels, hospitals, courts | ||||||||
| Population: | 83,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Fisheries, tourism, village produce | ||||||||
| Administration: | Kudat District (Kudat Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Tourists, operators | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
There has been a steady number of passengers to/from Kudat since 2016 with an average of 1,090 passengers per year.
Source: MASwings |
Lahad Datu, Sabah
| Â | Lahad Datu | ||||||||
| Brief background | Lahad Datu is the centre of Sabah’s oil palm plantation covering an area of approximately 1.55 million hectares. The Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu was set up in 2005 to lead the downstream process of oil palm plantations, which also includes an integrated port. As of 2018, the POIC was given the license to be a full fledge port by the Ministry of Finance. Lahad Datu is also the entry point of Sabah’s high-end nature-based attraction, Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Due to the vibrant industries here, there is a healthy demand for the flights which is operating 35 times weekly from Kota Kinabalu. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Tawau, 2.5 hours by road (150km); Sandakan 3 hours by road (180km) | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Ports, hospitals, hotels and resorts | ||||||||
| Population: | 200,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Palm oil, forestry, port, tourism | ||||||||
| Administration: | Lahad Datu District (Tawau Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Related industry staff, government officials, locals, tourists | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
Source: MASwings |
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
| Â | Kota Kinabalu | ||||||||
| Brief background | Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is located at the capital of Sabah and is Malaysia’s second busiest airport. The capital is a major tourism city in Malaysia and is connected to international destinations around the region including Australia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and among others. The KKIA connects to urban areas within Sabah, inter-state to Sarawak and one rural area (Kudat) on the PSO route. It is possible to travel by land to Kota Kinabalu from the rural areas designated under PSO due to existing road networks throughout the state, regardless of geographical terrain. However, the conditions of the roads may cause longer traveling time. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | – | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Various | ||||||||
| Population: | 455,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Agriculture, manufacturing, tourism | ||||||||
| Administration: | Capital city (West-Coast Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Various | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
Between 2016-2019, an average of 191,491 passengers took MASwings from Kota Kinabalu to urban areas within Sabah, inter-state to Sarawak and rural area to Kudat on the PSO route.
Source: MASwings |
Sandakan, Sabah
| Â | Sandakan | ||||||||
| Brief background | Sandakan in Sabah’s East Coast is the state’s main hub for two industries, palm oil and eco-based tourism. The history of the current airport dates to 1942 during the war. In 2017, the Federal Government allocated a budget to extend the runaway to cater for larger aircrafts to cater expanding industries. As of 2019, the airport capacity reached 1 million passengers for the first time. There are direct flights connecting Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur, and internationally to Bandar Seri Begawan by RB Link. Sandakan connects to Kudat on the PSO route for Sabah. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Kota Kinabalu, 7 hours by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Various | ||||||||
| Population: | 400,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Agriculture, tourism | ||||||||
| Administration: | Sandakan District (Sandakan Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Various | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
Between 2016-2019, an average of 118,244 passengers per year took MASwings from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu and Kudat on the PSO route.
Source: MASwings |
Tawau, Sabah
| Â | Tawau | ||||||||
| Brief background | Tawau’s main economy is mostly agriculture, which started with cocoa, tabacco and rubber before the palm oil industry took over. Bird’s nest is the other income generator for Tawau which targets to high-end clientele in North Asia. Due to its proximity to the Indonesian border, trade and barter trade between Tawau and Kalimantan is regularly observed. Tawau is the entry point to islands off Semporna, where high volume of tourism occurs. The airport in Tawau connects to Kuala Lumpur, as well as Bandar Seri Begawan by RB Link. MASwings also operates to Tarakan in Kalimantan from Tawau (not on PSO). | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Kota Kinabalu, 5 hours by road | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Various | ||||||||
| Population: | 400,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Agriculture, seafood | ||||||||
| Administration: | Tawau District (Tawau Division) | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Various | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
Between 2016-2019, an average of 19,159 passengers per year took MASwings from Tawau to Sandakan on the PSO route.
Source: MASwings |
Labuan, Federal Territory
| Â | Labuan | ||||||||
| Brief background | Labuan is a Federal Territory in East Malaysia. The island has been designated as an international offshore financial centre and free trade zone since 1990. Although the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre was established to complement Kuala Lumpur, the current status of Labuan is far from it. There have not been any large-scale projects in Labuan other than roads. The airport connects directly to Kuala Lumpur and inter-state (Miri, Sarawak). It is possible to travel to Kota Kinabalu by road, via Menumbok in Sabah. Regular ferry services are available from Labuan to Kota Kinabalu, Brunei, Lawas, Limbang from Labuan. | ||||||||
| Distance to closest town, time: | Kota Kinabalu, 4 hours by road (123km); Lawas, 2 hours by ferry; Brunei, 1 hour by road (52km) | ||||||||
| Facilities: | Hospital, hotels, banks, universities (branches), shopping malls | ||||||||
| Population: | 85,000 (2010) | ||||||||
| Main economy: | Oil and gas, offshore financial centre, halal distribution hub | ||||||||
| Administration: | Federal Territory | ||||||||
| Passenger profile: | Oil and gas staff, locals | ||||||||
| Total number of passengers: |
The average passengers flying on MASwings to/from Labuan between 2016-2019 is 117,302 per year.
Source: MASwings |
2. New Proposed RAS Destinations
Tunoh, Sarawak
| Â | Tunoh |
| Brief background | Tunoh, at Bukit Mabong district, is one of the rice bowls of Sarawak. The main attraction is Hose Mountain (2133m) which covers about 200,000 hectares of forest reserves. The State Government of Sarawak has allocated RM193 million for the construction of the new airport at Tunoh, which is slated to begin end of 2019. The airport will replace the unusable airport in Kapit, located 130km away. The Kapit airport has not been used for the past twenty years. Tunoh, is surrounded by three dams, Bakun, Murum and Baleh all located within the Kapit Division. |
| Distance to closest town, time: | Kapit 130km/5 hours by road |
| Facilities: |
Homestays, clinics, primary schools, electricity |
| Population: | 1,000 (2019 estimate) |
| Main economy: | Farming |
| Administration: | Bukit Mabong District (Kapit Division) |
| Passenger profile: | Retirees, students |
Belaga, Sarawak
| Â | Belaga |
| Brief background | Belaga is a district covering 16,902km2 with an estimated population of 23,000. The nearest town is Bintulu (155km away) which is only accessible by a 4-hour drive in 4×4 vehicles. There is a district office, a post office, a bank, clinics and schools in Belaga. About 40km away from Belaga is the Bakun Dam, Malaysia’s largest dam. |
| Distance to closest town, time: | Bintulu, 4 hours by road; Kapit and Sibu, 5-7 hours by boat |
| Facilities: | District office, schools, post office, bank, jetty, hotel, clinics |
| Population: | 37,000 (2010) |
| Main economy: | Farming, fishing, hunting, logging, plantation |
| Administration: | Belaga District (Kapit Division) |
| Passenger profile: | Locals |
Long Silat, Sarawak
| Â | Long Silat |
| Distance to closest town, time: | Long Lama, 5 hours by logging road; Miri, 7 hours by road |
| Facilities: | – |
| Population: | 4,000 |
| Main economy: | Farming, logging |
| Administration: | Long Lama District |
| Passenger profile: | Locals |
Long Pasia, Sabah
| Â | Long Pasia |
| Brief background | Long Pasia is in the South-West of Sabah near its border with Indonesia. It has an estimated population of 1,000 people. It is a remote village, about 250km from Kota Kinabalu and 120km from Sipitang, the nearest town. There are no hospitals, post office or banks in Long Pasia and power is generated by solar panels and private generator sets for some individual homes. Long Pasia is accessible by only dirt road from Sipitang, about three hours by 4×4 vehicles. There is a small military base nearby due to its close location to the border of Indonesia. There is an existing airstrip in Long Pasia that has stopped operating since the 1990s. In 2016, MAVCOM had recommended that Long Pasia was to be included as a PSO route. |
| Distance to closest town, time: | Sipitang, 3 hours by road; Lawas, 4 hours by road; Kota Kinabalu, 6 hours by road |
| Facilities: | Homestays, clinic, primary school, church, library, border military base and immigration check point, helicopter landing pad |
| Population: | 1,000 (2019 estimate) |
| Main economy: | Farming, tourism |
| Administration: | Sipitang District (Interior Division) |
| Passenger profile: | Locals, tourists |
