BETONG: The Integrated Village Economic Development Project (PROSPEK) Betong, the first PROSPEK initiative to involve longhouses here, will kick start next year with an allocation of RM9 million over a five-year span.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the project, under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), is expected to benefit over 3,000 residents in Betong, targeting 94 longhouses and surrounding areas with existing economic activities and growth potential.
He said the initiative is a federal government’s commitment to develop rural and remote areas.
“We want balanced development across all regions of Malaysia. Therefore, priority must also be given to roads connecting towns or cities to the Pan Borneo Highway, as we want development to extend to rural areas.
“In terms of rural development roads (JPD) and other connecting roads, there are still missing links. This is why Douglas (Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas) has stressed the importance of prioritising these areas,” he said.
Zahid was speaking to reporters after attending a “Leaders Meet the People” event at Rumah Panjang Enteri Anak Lengkoi Samu in Ulu Paku, Spaoh, Betong, held today (Nov 2) to mark the longhouse’s 100th anniversary.
The Rural and Regional Development minister assured that his ministry would continue current development projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan while evaluating new projects for the 13th Malaysia Plan.
“This does not mean that areas in Sarawak, outside of Betong, are not prioritised. What matters is the collaboration between the federal and state governments.
“This collaboration is not only present in formal relations but through personal relationships. This personal networking greatly facilitates coordination, not only in development matters but in balancing progress across regions,” he added.
PROSPEK Betong has identified key economic sectors for development, including agriculture, livestock farming, traditional products, and handicrafts, with a particular focus on expanding poultry farming and ginger cultivation as niche products.
Since 2020, Sarawak has seen three major PROSPEK projects: PROSPEK Matu, PROSPEK Lawas, and most recently, PROSPEK Kota Samarahan, with RM2.8 million allocated this year.
Each of these projects follows a five-year development timeline managed by the Sarawak Land Development Board.
Also in attendance were Uggah, KKDW Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, and Rumah Panjang Samu representative Tan Sri Empiang Jabu.
