Betong Division Development Agency eyes income-generating initiatives

KUCHING: The Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) is prioritising income-generating activities as its primary agenda, according to chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Various sub-committees have been formed to explore untapped potentials in tourism, economic activities and modern agriculture, he said.

After officiating at the agency’s fifth workshop recently to finalise second-phase projects, he stated that the focus is on presenting these initiatives to the State Economic Planning Unit for funding decisions.
He directed the committees to develop plans and proposals for further study, aiming to strategically develop and generate income for the people.

“This is in line with the objective of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) for Sarawak to become a developed state by 2030.”

Uggah, who is also the Deputy Premier, noted that Betong has significant untapped potentials, especially in oil palm, pepper and the upcoming large-scale rice production.

“Tanjung Sebekut in Spaoh has been recommended as a new rice production area, with plans to enable farmers to achieve two harvests annually.”

He also outlined plans to introduce modern technologies such as precision farming, including fertigation and hydroponic methods, in the region.

Additionally, a cattle farming programme initiated by SALCRA in Spaoh is in progress, with close monitoring of its development.

“We are looking at modern technologies as the way forward, including in food and pepper production,” he stressed.