Part Two
KUCHING: Land transformation has been actively carried out in Bekenu since the 1990s with large tracts being developed into oil palm plantations.
Apart from the plantation industry, other major industries like timber, petroleum and eco-tourism are among the key players driving the local and state economies.
Thanks to these industries, the multiplier effects from the influx of workers in the oil field and other sectors have created opportunities for folks in Bekenu.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune in an exclusive interview recently, Assistant Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Rosey Yunus said the most obvious changes in socio-economic development in rural constituencies like Bekenu was the impact of the development of road access.
“If we go to villages and longhouses in my constituency, we can see there are very few people using small cars because most of them are using four-wheel drive vehicles,” the Bekenu assemblywoman said.
Thanks to the various infrastructures and facilities, Bekenu today, in a nutshell, is no longer a sleepy hollow town.
It is indeed a thriving town — which has attracted visitors to flock over especially during the holidays!
Bekenu Now and Then
Turning the clock back, Rosey shared the history of this riverine town before the road existed.
“In those days, Bekenu was among the pitstop points where medieval merchants and traders from across the world stopped, where they usually kept their goods at the wooden shophouses and at the same time sell their products to the locals,” she said.
The town grew over the years through the development of land transportation network.
This included the coastal roads and bridges linking Bekenu to Miri and Batu Niah.
“Bekenu constituency has grown tremendously and it is still developing. I see it as I want it to be.
“We want to upgrade the beach area without interfering with the natural ecosystem there.
“Perhaps, we would only install handrails and walkways to help visitors make their way to the beach easily. We do not want to do something that would affect and damage the natural surroundings there,” she shared.
With the road access, rural folks in Bekenu today are able to mobilise from the hinterland to the city centre or even to neighbouring Brunei.
“Such development has indeed changed the livelihood of the people in the area. The state government also have built mosques, rural roads, upgraded old roads, and improved health and educational facilities for people in the area.
“Not only that, garden, motel and stalls for farmers to sell their agricultural produce are also provided,” she added.
Livelihood During Covid-19
Rosey pointed out that most villages and longhouses across her constituency today were fully equipped with clean and treated water and electricity supply.
On socio-economy, Rosey observed that many Bekenu folk have ventured into online business, an expansion from their economic activities such as oil palm plantation.
She stressed such scenario demonstrates that the rural community were well-aware with the importance of utilising digital platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This pandemic is such a blessing in disguise. In the village itself, there are online businesses happening, whereby those who want to buy cakes can order through WhatsApp.
“The people in my area now even have their own WhatsApp group specialising in business and they also provide delivery service.
“Programmes like e-Preneurs will be able to help entrepreneurs to market their products and bring their brand to the international stage.
“Of course, there are times we face connectivity issues. But it is still manageable even if certain areas they have to use modem to speed up internet connectivity,” she noted,
Digital economy — the way forward
E-business, e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship — these terms are splashed in people’s daily life.
For the Bekenu assemblywoman, she wants to keep an eye for updates and news on the matters especially when it relates to her constituency.
Despite the constraints, Rosey reminded Bekenu folk to adopt the digital environment.
“Talking about digital economy, it is interesting to see that our people are now using WhatsApp, online marketing during the MCO.
“Moving into this direction is vital because it provides new opportunities. The future belongs to SMEs utilising digital platforms, even people around the globe can buy products from Bekenu.
“For example, selling handcraft products via online marketplaces will help to grow local businesses with potential to meet bigger market demands,” she added.
The blue lights of Tusan beach at certain times of the year attracts visitors to watch the display. 
The ‘drinking horse head’ — a natural rock formation at Tusan beach .
