KUCHING: Betong Division’s numerous tourism potentials are simply waiting to be exploited, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said.
He said the time had now come for these potentials to be properly identified, developed and promoted.
The deputy premier singled out Bukit Sadok, the site of the fortress of Iban legendary hero and Sarawak nationalist Rentap, as one such potential.
“Rentap had no knowledge of war startegies, yet he had chosen the very strategic Bukit Sadok hilltop as the site of his fortress.
“The formidable fortress was only captured by Raja Charles Brooke after a third attempt in October 1861 but Rentap managed to escape in time.
“The first and second attempts were made in 1857 and 1858 respectively,” he said when officiating at the Betong Metro Polytechnic Industrial Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting here yesterday (June 9).
Adding on, Uggah said the state government had last month approved a sum of RM15.9 million to build a replica of Rentap’s fortress together with supporting facilities in Bukit Sadok.
“This will be the best way to remember this historical site and to honour Rentap.
“This too will provide opportunities for local communities to improve their socio-economic wellbeing by promoting their culture.”
On other potential tourism products, he said these included a number of traditional longhouses, the Iban colourful culture and traditions, river and jungle trekking, the many river and fish conservation programmes or locally known as the ‘Tagang System’ as well as the Malay kampung in Spaoh which offered home stay programme.
He added an airport was also being built at Bebuling in Spaoh for both freight and passenger services.
“This and the Pan Borneo Highway will place Betong in the path of tourists,” he said.
Uggah also expressed the hope that the Sarawak Tourism Board could lend a helping hand in identifying and identifying proposals on how best to develop and promote these potentials.
Uggah assured that he and Layar assemblyman Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu would give their fullest support.
On the polytechnic, he said it would receive their every support to help its student excel academically.
“We will do our part to ensure the facilities needed by them to allow for a more conducive study atmosphere will be made available,” he said.
On the meeting, Uggah disclosed that it was held to help the polytechnic enhance its student marketability in the job market.
“For this we are turning to our partners in the tourism and banking industries for the necessary inputs,” he added.
