KUCHING, Aug. 28 -- Work to upgrade the Long Banga and Ba Kelalan STOLports is expected to begin this year following the federal government's approval of RM30 million for the two rural air facilities.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said RM15 million had been allocated for each STOLport under the Airport Development Fund.

"We have just approved the allocation and, Insya-Allah, we want to start something this year.

"There is still design work and other preparations to be done," he told reporters after launching the National Madani Taxi Renewal Programme here on Friday.

He said the upgrades would include terminal improvements and, where feasible, runway extensions based on site conditions.

"We want our rural STOLports ...