Tucked deep in northern Sarawak, the Mulu state constituency spans nearly 10,000sq km, making it one of the state’s largest.
But, its sheer size comes with a challenge.
Navigating its terrain remains a struggle due to poor road networks, with most routes consisting of rugged logging paths.
So, for many in this remote region, air travel is a necessity.
Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala said Rural Air Services (RAS) remained the backbone of connectivity for villagers and longhouse communities scattered across the land.
“Travel by road can take anywhere between seven and 13 hours from Miri, depending on terrain and weather.
“In some cases, the journey may not even be possible,” he told Bernama.
Mulu stands out as a constituency with a high number of airports - five in total.
This reflects its vastness and the vital role of air transport there.
The five short take-off and landing (STOLport) airports are located at Mulu National Park, Bario, Long Banga, Long Seridan and Long Lellang.
These airstrips ensure access to medical aid, supplies and transport.
The RAS programme, subsidised by the Federal Government, provides essential, non-commercial air services to remote parts of Sarawak and Sabah.
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.
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 said.
He urged the government to continue subsidising RAS until a safe and reliable road network was established.
He said affordable fares, especially discounted rates for senior citizens, had 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 with three to four flights daily.
He envisions Bario becoming a transit hub for larger aircraft that 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.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to subsidising RAS in Sarawak and Sabah, following Sarawak government’s takeover of MASwings.
Loke announced that RM209mil had been allocated for RAS operations in 2024.
MASwings currently operates 40 routes across Sarawak and Sabah, using ATR72 and Twin Otter Viking aircraft.
Until roads improve, the skies will continue to be the primary highway to the world for the people of Mulu.
