Sarawakku Sayang Betong draws nearly 96,000 visitors

2 days ago 14

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BETONG: Sarawakku Sayang 2026 drew a total of 95,684 visitors over its three day programme, with improved road connectivity helping attract people from across Sarawak.

Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and chairman of the Sarawakku Sayang 2026 Central Zone Divisional Programme Committee Datuk Hii Chang Kee said improved connectivity through the Pan Borneo Highway and coastal highway had made it easier for people to travel between divisions.

“With the Pan Borneo Highway and the coastal highway opening up, I think there is now no restriction on whether Sarawakku Sayang is only for Betong,” he told Sarawak Tribune when met at the Betong Sports Complex today (Sept 27).

He said a similar trend had been observed at Sarawakku Sayang programmes held in other divisions, citing lucky draw winners in Sarikei who came from Sibu, Betong and other areas.

“With the Pan Borneo Highway and improving communications, I think Sarawak no longer has restrictions in terms of divisional boundaries,” he added.

The programme recorded 16,317 visitors on the first day, 45,791 on the second and 33,576 on the final day, bringing total attendance to 95,684 as of 4.15pm yesterday.

Hii said the second day recorded the highest single day turnout, including around 8,600 people who attended the opening ceremony.

He said the organising committee had initially targeted 120,000 visitors, while hoping to attract between 80,000 and 90,000, or potentially 100,000.

Beyond drawing visitors from outside the division, Hii said Sarawakku Sayang also served as a platform for government agencies to engage directly with communities by bringing their services to the ground.

“Instead of going to government agencies now, we are bringing the services to you,” he said, describing this as one of the programme’s significant achievements.

He said the programme allowed the public to learn about government initiatives, services and assistance directly from the agencies, reducing the need for people to travel to individual government offices.

The three day programme at the Betong Sports Complex and surrounding areas featured exhibitions, government services, community activities and evening events.