Prime Minister of Sarawak thinks far, plans comprehensive development - Uggah

BETONG, 26 September: The decision to develop Bebuling Airport or STOLport in the Concrete Division reflects the far-sighted thinking and courage of Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in planning state development as a whole.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embassy said that the development of STOLport is not a standalone project, instead it is supported by various development programs to boost economic activity in Betong.

He said that when the project was first announced, STOLport's real potential may not have been fully seen, but the development plans implemented now show an increasingly clear direction.

"Prime Minister Sarawak has a pretty strong idea. He had a mission, courage, he thought far.

"When he announced the approval of the airport for Spaoh, at first I myself wondered. But today, it is quite clear that not only the airport but also various development programmes are being put in place to support the development of this airport", he said.

Uggah said that among the related developments is agriculture sector through two agroparks in Concrete Division, including Bebuling Agropark covering an area of about 600 acres.

Another agropark is located in Lubok Tamang, while the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) has also developed a Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC) to support agricultural production in the part.

In addition, he said, two CPPCs are also present in Spaoh and Simpang Layar, thus forming a support chain to the agricultural sector and local economic activities.

He said the infrastructure development is not only aimed at facilitating movement of goods, but also opening up more space to the tourism sector.

According to Uggah, Betong has a variety of attractions that can be highlighted, including the development of a replica of Iban's hero fortress, Rentap, which has the potential to become a tourism product based on history and heritage.

At the same time, Uggah attributed increased state income as one of the factors enabling more development programs to be implemented for the benefit of the people.

"We have a leader who has vision, experience, strength and is good at fundraising.

"In 2016, the state revenue was about RM5.6 billion and in 2024, RM14.2 billion. Our income is increasing and with this increase in revenue it is being used to run the programs that are here", he said.

In this regard, he urged the people of Sarawak especially the communities in the Betong Division to continue united in ensuring that the state development agenda can be continued.

Uggah said the various projects implemented show that the development of Betong is planned as an ecosystem linking transport infrastructure, agriculture, product processing and tourism to boost local economy. - TVS