BDDA allocates RM82 mln for activities, projects to improve income of Betong folks

The Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) has set aside an allocation of RM82 million for activities and projects aimed at improving people’s income, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah, who is BDDA chairman, added that RM15.5 million out of the allocation would be used this year.

Speaking after chairing a meeting with the agency’s agrofood committee at his office here yesterday, he said the meeting discussed potential programmes and projects and to fine-tune the implementation process.

“Time is not on our side. We are chasing after time. So we hope we can implement our programmes and projects as scheduled.

“We, too, have decided not to allow bureaucratic procedures to delay us. The seven elected representatives in the agency area will do the best that we can. But at the same time, we want everyone to give us their fullest collaboration and cooperation,” he said.

On the programmes and projects, Uggah said they would be in modern agriculture and tourism.

“In agriculture, we will focus on the modern farming methods of fertigation and hydroponics for vegetables and fruits. We will also go into livestock farming like those involving organic chicken, pigs and cattle.

“These are the things we feel we can develop in Betong,” he pointed out.

On tourism, Uggah said the Betong Division has much to offer, such as the Kabong International Kite Festival, Puffer Fish (Buntal) Festival of Spaoh, and Layar Cycling Carnival.

“On top of these, we have the eco-tourism potentials through our many traditional Iban longhouses, pristine jungles for jungle trekking, the many ‘tagang’ systems, homestay programmes in longhouses and kampung, our rich and colourful culture, and the handicrafts.”

Uggah said these activities could also generate income for the local folks, adding that the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway would stimulate income generation even more.

In addition, the completion of the Bebuling STOLport would open Betong to more tourists from outside, he added.