BETONG: The Betong division has the potential to be transformed into a production hub for the traditional attire and handicrafts of the Iban community.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that with this being realised, this endeavour would create significant business opportunities and greatly benefit the local community.
“I and other elected representatives in the division plan to hold more programmes to improve the socio-economic situation of the people here.
“Among them is to make Betong a production house of traditional handicrafts of the Iban community, such as the Iban’s pua kumbu and other traditional items.
“Therefore, I will discuss with the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, how he can help us increase the tourism potential here,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Gawai Dayak open house at Rumah Anyie, Matop in Spaoh, here last night (June 9).
The Bukit Saban assemblyman further called upon the cooperation of the community leaders as well as the local community to make the plan a success, as it will open up opportunities for the entrepreneurs to generate additional income.
“Betong is indeed rich in tourism products, and that can attract both local and international tourists.
“This division is blessed with unique longhouses, beautiful rivers, diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls, and a rich culture that is still cherished and preserved.
“As such, it is important to place Betong on the tourist map to draw more visitors to the area,” he said.
At the same time, he said the state government aims to revive Bukit Sadok, one of Betong’s historical mountains, as a captivating tourist attraction.
“The plan involves the construction of a replica of the Kubu Rentap, the fortress of the legendary Iban warrior,” he said.
On a related note, he said that these tourism initiatives would not only showcase the uniqueness of Sarawak but also reinforce the core value of unity expressed in the Iban phrase ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (Together in Unity).
Earlier, the Gawai Dayak open house, which was organised by the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) at Rumah Anyie, a 28-door longhouse constructed in 1943, provided an opportunity for guests, including local and foreign tourists from countries such as Australia, Poland, the United States of America, China, Thailand, and Brunei, to experience the traditional Gawai Dayak celebration.
The location for this year’s celebration was chosen because of its unique structure made of belian wood, with the ceiling still adorned with human skulls dating back more than 200 years.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development and Layar assemblyman Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong, Temenggong Richard Mulok, former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, former Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat, and the event’s project leader Yvonne Saman.
