Betong to get Mini Convention Centre after lack of forum venue flagged

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre) with other Sarawak leaders upon arriving at the Betong Sports Complex for the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Betong on Sept 26, 2026. Photo credit: UKAS

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Sept 26: Betong will get a Mini Convention Centre after the lack of a suitable venue to host forums and bring experts to the division was highlighted to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari said he approved the development today, saying the facility would provide a proper venue for forums and knowledge-sharing programmes involving experts and professionals.

He said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas had pointed out that it was difficult to bring experts to Betong because the division lacked a suitable venue for such programmes.

“Usually, when we want to introduce new things, we bring experts here to give explanations. Douglas Uggah said it is difficult to bring people here because there is no place for forums,” Abang Johari said during the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Betong today, which was broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook.

He said the existing Dewan Sukan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan could be used for certain programmes, but Betong needed a dedicated facility.

“So, we were asked for a Mini Convention Centre for Betong. I approve today for us to develop a Mini Convention Centre, similar to the one in Lawas.

“With facilities like this, we can bring more knowledge to our children,” he added.

Meanwhile, Uggah said almost 7,000 people from across Betong Division had gathered for today’s Sarawakku Sayang programme, with residents coming from various areas to attend the event.

He said the three-day programme, held from Sept 25 to 27, had already attracted nearly 12,000 visitors on its first day.

Uggah said today’s turnout was expected to be higher, while the organisers were targeting 120,000 visitors over the three-day programme, surpassing the 115,000 recorded for the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Sarikei.

The programme features 47 agencies and around 150 service counters covering areas including administration, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, education and human capital, healthcare, social welfare and payments.

Uggah urged residents to make full use of the services and programmes offered throughout the event. — DayakDaily