BETONG: Betong has two major economic potentials, according to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah – tourism and modern agriculture.
The Bukit Saban assemblyman said these potentials are waiting to be exploited, which should ensure Betong continues to progress right up to 2030.
He said tourism and modern agriculture will be a welcome diversification for Betong which has developed over the years on an economy that hinges on oil palm and rubber.
“The time has come for us to move forward by diversifying our growth base. Let us tap into tourism and modern agriculture on the huge tract of land that we have in our hinterland that includes Spaoh and Debak,” said Uggah who was guest-of-honour at Betong Buddha Association Chinese New year gathering yesterday night.
Accompanying him were Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat and wife Datin Claudia Janting, a political secretary to the chief minister Dr Richard Rapu, Betong Resident Friday Belik.Their host was the association chairman Patrick Own.
On Betong’s tourism potential, Uggah said: “We have places like the historical Bukit Sadok, which can be developed for adventure and nature loving tourists while crocodile watching packages can be done in Sungai Layar and Sungai Paku now teeming with the creature.”
Uggah reasoned that with the coming Sarawak coastal trunk road passing through Betong, more people from outside would visit the town.
On modern agriculture he said fruits and vegetable farming and livestock rearing are two areas that must be exploited.
“But we need to do this the modern way for better quantity and quality of our products.
“Then we can reduce our dependence on oil palm, which today occupies an area of about 20,000 hectares, and rubber.”
Uggah also suggested for the formation of a committee to chart out the development of the town and division in a more holistic and planned manner.
“We can bring in the various associations and organisations and government agencies to sit together. I don’t mind chairing this committee,” he said.
He later announced government grants totalling RM750,000 for the various associations and schools.
The amount included RM500,000 for the Betong Chinese Temple building fund and RM100,000 for the Betong Buddhist Association multi-purpose hall project.
Earlier Robert called on the people to support the GPS state government, saying, “GPS represents all races and religions in Sarawak. We must protect all our rights and interests. If GPS is defeated in the coming state election, we might forfeit our rights and wealth to outsiders.”
