Simanggang Airport 1957

Yes there was an airport in Simanggang (now named Sri Aman). It was built in the 1950's.
Its construction started in February 1957. It had a grass runway of 2,400 feet and 90 feet wide. The land was originally rubber land, and was above flood level.




During the Confrontation period, the airfield was mainly used by the British army.

Rivers were the main mode of communication in the early days and few would have the financial standing to fly.

However, many Foochow business men did fly from Sibu to Simanggang as the road in the 1950's and 1960's was very poor. Apart from them most government officers enjoyed the air service made available.

Most people would take a boat from Simanggang, sail down the Lupar river and reach Sibu via the Rajang River. 

Secondary school students in those years would also sail on a Chinese motor launch to Kuching, and from there they would take a sea going vessel to go to Miri to attend a school like Tanjong Lobang School.