The State Government through Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) has allocated RM9.5 million to upgrade Mukah airport to 3C Standard to accommodate Fokker 50 and other similar size aircraft.

STIDC General Manager, Haji Len Talif Salleh said, the project would be completed in 18 months.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of the project site recently, he disclosed that STIDC being the co-ordinating agency has appointed PPES Works (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. as the 'turnkey' project contractor. PPES Works was represented by its Senior Project Manager Mr. Jilan Jenggi.

Haji Len said that the upgrading of the airport is necessary to accommodate larger aircraft to meet the growing demands of travelers, especially the business community in line with the rapid development in Mukah after its elevation to a division.

"With wider and longer runway, we hope the related aviation agencies like MAS and Hornbill Skyways would provide bigger aircraft to fly here. This would help to boost the economic development of Mukah", he added.

He appointed out that the airport would also allow direct communication to a number of destinations in the State and reduce traveling duration from Mukah to Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

He was optimistic that the tourism sector would also florish with the influx of foreign tourists as Mukah would be easily accessible by land and air transport. This would also entice foreign investors to exploit the burgeoning bussiness opportunities in Mukah.