BETONG: The establishment of Betong Integrated Development Agency (BIDA) will transform the area for it to be on par with other areas in Sarawak, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the development agency, chaired by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas will implement developments which is needed in the division.
“Betong Division is a new administrative area after its status was raised from a district to a division in 2002.
“It cannot be denied that since being upgraded to a Division, Betong has changed a lot in terms of development.
“Infrastructure facilities in this Division such as roads are quite extensive, with several educational and training institutions in Betong and the agricultural potential of this area continues to be focused on,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the Sarawak-level Merdeka Day 2022 celebration at Dewan Sukan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan, Betong today.
He said development, while present in Betong is not sufficient and this will be remedied through BIDA.
“The establishment of BIDA, such as Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) for Hulu Rajang, Highland Development Agency (HAD) for the Ulu Baram highland area, Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) for the Sri Aman are, Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) for the Samarahan area and others, is a new approach to ensure that development in the areas concerned is coordinated more effectively to accelerate development, especially in terms of infrastructure.
“I am very confident that with the operation of BIDA in the future with the the leadership of Uggah, who is always working hard, Betong will develop rapidly and on par with other areas in Sarawak,” he said.
