LUBOK ANTU: The Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) and the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) have been urged to collaborate in promoting the tourism sector in their respective areas.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that both Betong and Engkilili boast numerous attractions.
“Our attractions are similar. We can rely on the rich and colourful Iban culture and traditions, the handicrafts, pristine nature, and traditional longhouses.
“For Engkilili, the nearby Batang Ai Hydro Dam lake area and the unique ‘Batu Nabau’ (a stone structure resembling a giant serpent head) and its legend are among the main attractions.
“For Betong, we will have the proposed Rentap’s fortress at Bukit Sadok as one of our top offers. The construction of the RM15 million project is expected to be tendered out soon,” he said during the launch of the Lubok Antu Festival at Dataran Rusa on Saturday.
In light of this, Uggah said that the Bebuling STOLport in Spaoh, Betong, scheduled for completion next year, would boost tourist arrivals.
“Both BDDA and SADA can sit down to discuss jointly developing tourism products.
“The tourism sector now holds significant potential as a new revenue stream for rural folks,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of younger generations taking over cultural and traditional activities from elderly cultural performers to preserve these traditions.
Earlier, Lubok Antu MP Roy Angau Gingkoi said that the festival aimed to secure a spot for Engkilili on the state tourism calendar.
He also advocated for the elevation of the Engkilili sub-district to full district status soon.
