LONG LELLANG – Long Lellang Short Take-Off and Landing Port (STOLport) in Ulu Baram has resumed normal flight operations after a joint team completed a runway inspection and debris clearance following last week’s helicopter crash.
The cleanup operation was carried out on 11 September, a day before the STOLport was scheduled to resume inbound and outbound flights. The work followed the incident involving Medic 3 helicopter 9M-LLF on Tuesday, which resulted in the crash and fire at the rural aviation facility.
Operations began at 8am and continued until 4pm, with 26 personnel from security, aviation and technical agencies deployed to inspect the runway and its surrounding areas.
The joint operation involved the Marudi District branch of the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA), Malaysia Airports (MASB), the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Layang-Layang Aerospace.
A key part of the operation was to remove debris and check the runway for any remaining hazards linked to the crash. The team inspected the area for metal fragments, foreign object debris (FOD) and other obstructions that could pose a risk to aircraft using the STOLport.
The completion of the inspection and clearance work has allowed the facility to return to service from Saturday, 12 September. The reopening restores regular air access to the remote Baram community following the temporary disruption caused by the incident.
Air connectivity is particularly important in rural areas such as Ulu Baram, where aviation services can support the movement of residents and provide access for essential operations. The Long Lellang facility also serves as an access point for services operating in the surrounding rural areas.
The cleanup was conducted alongside the wider response to the helicopter incident, with participating agencies combining aviation, security, investigation and technical roles. Their work included ensuring that the affected runway area was cleared before normal flight movements resumed.
The AAIB’s participation in the operation reflects the need to preserve and examine areas affected by an aviation accident while allowing safety assessments to be carried out. At the same time, the involvement of airport, police, volunteer and aerospace personnel supported the practical work needed to restore the facility.
With the runway cleared and declared ready for operations, flights can resume from Long Lellang STOLport from 12 September. The return to service is expected to support the movement of rural residents and the continuation of aviation-linked services in the Baram area.
The reopening also comes as attention remains focused on maintaining safe access for essential rural aviation activities, including the Flying Doctor Service (FDS). The service plays an important role in reaching communities where road access can be difficult or limited.
Authorities and participating agencies have stressed the importance of maintaining safety as flight operations return to the facility. The latest runway clearance marks the completion of the immediate cleanup operation following the crash, while the wider circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to the appropriate aviation investigation processes.
