BETONG: The state government is looking to transform the Betong division to the next level, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this will be done via a new approach which involves widespread infrastructure development through the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA).
“Betong which is now a division, we will continue to develop it using a new approach. Previously, under (former deputy chief minister) Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, the Betong landscape was transformed.
“Now, we look to develop Betong in a more organised manner including infrastructure development,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the closing ceremony of a leadership seminar at Dewan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan here on Today (Nov 12).
Abang Johari said the state government is looking to equip Betong with a Short Take-off and Landing Airport (STOLport) at Bebuling, which will be a game changer for the division.
“Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas told me this would be costly, I said, ‘don’t worry, we will find the money and we deliver it for the people’.
“What I say I deliver – I have said that we will continue the projects cancelled by the previous federal government. We did that for Batang Lupar,” he said.
The Premier said Betong will soon be connected to Sri Aman and Lingga.
“From Lingga, the people can travel to Betong and between Betong and Sri Aman, there will be two bridges.
“We have calculated the costs as we want to have an integrated development in the Betong division,” he said.
Earlier Abang Johari said BDDA has been allocated a fund of RM1.5 billion to carry out developments in the region.
“I am confident in allocating these funds as we believe that we will be able to obtain double digits in terms of our revenue.
“I cannot reveal the figure just yet, as we have to present it in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN). This fund is channeled to BDDA. RM1.5 billion for the people of Betong,” he asserted.
