BETONG: The construction project for the new Betong Rest House has reached a physical progress of approximately 65 per cent and is expected to be completed on schedule by January 2027 to meet the official accommodation needs in the Betong Division.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that the project is an initiative of the Sarawak government under the Projek Rakyat fund, which allocates a ceiling value of RM12 million.
He said the construction contract worth RM10 million is showing satisfactory progress, with the contractor’s performance remaining firmly on track.
“The briefing given was highly detailed, and we also discussed several improvements that need to be implemented.
“I hope this project can be completed next year as scheduled,” he said after attending the project briefing for the construction of the new Betong Rest House, presented by the Betong Division Public Works Department (JKR) here recently.
He added that the construction of the new resthouse is highly significant since Betong, as a divisional administrative centre, still lacks a permanent government resthouse to accommodate official programmes.
The previous shortage of accommodation facilities forced some government officials to stay in Sri Aman when attending official events in Betong.
“That is why the construction of this resthouse is crucial so that more comfortable facilities can be provided to official guests, while also supporting the organisation of various government programmes in the Betong Division,” said Uggah.
The project, which commenced on Jul 18, 2025, is being developed to replace the existing resthouse, which is dilapidated and no longer suitable for upgrading.
The scope of development encompasses the construction of two VVIP resthouse units, two VIP resthouse units, eight standard rooms, a 500-capacity hall, a dining hall, a cafeteria, administrative and operational facilities, a workshop, utility amenities, a surau, a VIP lounge, discussion rooms, a lobby, storerooms, as well as recreational facilities including gazebos and pedestrian walkways.
