Uggah envisions cleaner, progressive, people-centric Betong in the next three years - Borneo Post Online (2025)

KUCHING (April 24): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has laid out an ambitious vision for a cleaner, more progressive, and people-friendly Betong over the next three years.

Speaking after witnessing the swearing-in of the new Betong District Council chairman and 30 councillors for the 2025–2028 term today, Uggah said the council holds a vital role in shaping the district’s future.

“The Betong District Council will have a lot to do from now.

“I want it to work out plans and strategies for a more progressive and developed and clean Betong town and district in three years from now,” he said in a statement.

Uggah expressed hopes for Betong to become a benchmark for cleanliness in Sarawak.

“In terms of cleanliness, I want it to be one of, if not, the cleanest in the state.Toward this end, we are exploring options like waste segregation disposal, recycling, composing and also an incinerator.

“We cannot depend on landfills or for people to simply treat their rivers as convenient waste disposal places. These will only contribute to polluting our environment and rivers,” he said, adding that the council should place strong focus on public education.

On tourism, Uggah highlighted Betong’s vast untapped potential.

“We have much to offer like our pristine nature, flora and fauna, culture, our traditional longhouses and others.

“We are also getting better connected through roads and more so when the Bebuling Airport project is targeted to be ready toward the end of the year,” he said.

He also revealed that construction of a RM16 million replica fortress and supporting facilities at Bukit Sadok — honouring legendary Iban warrior Rentap — is scheduled to begin this year.

Uggah noted that a proposal for a new, iconic Betong District Council building had already been submitted to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Addressing the newly appointed councillors, he reminded them of their critical role at the grassroots level.

“We need your help in informing the people of the many policies and programmes for the people’s well being and betterment and in generating better income.

“We also need your feedback if they had indeed benefitted them and how well they had been implemented. So it is absolutely vital that we all continue to work as a cohesive team,” he said.

He added that the Sarawak Cabinet has decided that all council leaders will now be referred to as “Chairman” instead of the previously used term “Walikota”, which is deemed unsuitable for the state.

Meanwhile, Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, who now chairs the council, called on fellow councillors to maintain high standards of governance.

“Serve with full dedication, transparency and integrity. Whatever decisions we are making should benefit the people,” he said.

Also present at the event were Layar assemblyman Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Saribas assemblyman Datuk Mohd Razi Sitam, Beting Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor, Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kipli and Betong Resident Richard Micheal Abunawas.