During the Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) sitting in May 2023, Deputy Premier YB Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas provided an update on Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) during his winding up speech.
Under Phase One of development under the regional development agency, 83 projects for Betong Division amounting to RM740 million have been submitted for approval by the Sarawak Government. They are:
- 45 infrastructure development projects;
- 16 social development projects;
- 17 agricultural projects;
- 2 tourism projects; and
- 3 industrial, commercial, business and entrepreneurship projects.
“With the completion of these projects, it is our aspiration that the communities in Betong Division will experience and witness sufficient changes in the socio-economic landscape from the accelerative and transformative initiatives developed by BDDA,” said Datuk Amar Douglas, who is also the agency’s chairman.
Formerly known as Betong Integrated Development Agency or BIDA, BDDA comprises constituencies of Layar, Bukit Saban, Saribas, Beting Maro, Kalaka, Krian and parts of Lingga.
The regional development agency is led by Datuk Amar Douglas, with his deputies being Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Youth and Sports Development) YB Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, and Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development (Community Well-being Development) YB Encik Ricky @ Mohammad Razi bin Sitam.
Around RM1.5 billion has been allocated to coordinate and accelerate infrastructure and socio-economic development projects under BDDA, especially in expanding income-generating economic activities in high-potential areas such as modern agriculture and tourism, and strengthening human capital by producing graduates and professional in diverse fields.
A notable project that will be implemented under the agency is the development of Bebuling Agropark.
Said to be located near the upcoming Bebuling Short Take-off and Landing Airport (STOLport) project in Spaoh, the agropark when ready for operation will give opportunities to the younger generation to dive into agriculture through the use of the latest technology.
Another is the expansion of Spaoh Town, consisting of numerous infrastructure, sport and economic projects with the end goal of creating income-generating activities for the local community to improve their living standard.
At a separate event in Betong, Datuk Amar Douglas expressed considerations of transforming Betong Division into a tourism destination, particularly as a hub for Sarawak handicraft production.
The matter is expected to be discussed with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, in which he will also proposed the establishment of a miniature Rentap Fort at the historical Bukit Sadok.
Betong Division at a Glance
Area Size: 4,181 sq km
Population: 97,400 (2021e)
District: 4 (Betong; Saratok; Pusa; Kabong)
Sub-District: 5 (Spaoh; Debak; Budu; Maludam; Roban)
Main Economic Activities: Agriculture; Plantation
| District | AP (%) | Mn (RM) | Md (RM) |
| Sarawak | 9.0 | 5,959 | 4,544 |
| Betong | 22.4 | 3,962 | 2,782 |
| Saratok | 13.8 | 4,202 | 3,142 |
| Pusa | 38.6 | 2,758 | 2,449 |
| Kabong | 23.0 | 3,294 | 2,945 |
*Incidence of Absolute Poverty (AP), Mean Income (Mn) and Median Income (Md) based on 2019 figures
Source: Sarawak Facts and Figures 2022
