BETONG: Betong is on the brink of a major transformation, with strategic development projects poised to create a significant multiplier effect locally and beyond.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the area’s development will drive local businesses, from fresh produce to tourism, creating a ripple effect across Sarawak.
The plan, he said, includes transforming Betong and its surrounding areas into a regional development hub with a focus on air transport access and tourism potential.
“One of the main projects is the construction of a short runway airport in Spaoh (STOLport), which is expected to change the overall development landscape and economy here.
“If we look, there are indeed medium-sized aircraft that can carry about 20 passengers at a time using a short runway. It will also transport cargo of local products.
“So, when this facility is completed, it will make it easier for tourists and shorten travel time to popular destinations here like Batang Ai Lake and the Rentap Monument, while boosting the local socio-economy,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), said this during the PBB Zone Betong Delegates Meeting at Dewan Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan here Saturday (Jan 25).
The Premier also shared his experience as the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture once, when he brought international tourists from Kuching on a five-hour bus journey to Batang Ai.
“Although the journey offered several attractions, such as stops at Semenggoh and the plantation farm, the long distance and lack of facilities in Batang Ai made the tourists’ experience less satisfactory.
“When they arrived there, they asked me – what can we see here? I answered, monkeys. At that moment, I realised that we need to provide better access.
“Therefore, the airport in Spaoh is the answer to ensure smoother tourism to this area,” he added.
As such, Abang Johari proposed a special zone for the development of recreational activities in the Betong area, such as water sports, while the hilly areas will be developed with holiday homes.
“Batang Ai Lake is very large. We can develop it for various purposes, including as a source of electricity, a recreational location and a tourist attraction.
“We will also create higher-quality resorts so that tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of this area,” he said.
On the same note, Abang Johari stressed the importance of Sarawak having its own airline to improve connectivity both domestically and internationally, including with neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and China.
“God willing, next month we will have our own airline. This is a basic necessity to boost tourism and bring economic benefits to our people.
“In addition to tourism, the Betong area will also be developed as an agro-park centre focused on high-quality agricultural produce.
“We will plant high-quality agricultural products and then export the results. Visitors can come here and spend. They will enjoy fish from Batang Ai and vegetables from our farms,” he said.
