KUCHING, July 1: A replica of the legendary Iban warrior Rentap’s fortress or Kubu Rentap will be built at its original site at Bukit Sadok, Betong.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the State government had agreed to the project to enhance Betong’s tourism sector.
“Our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had recently approved an allocation of RM16 million for the project inclusive of its supporting facilities,” Uggah said when addressing the Saribas Club Gawai dinner here last night (June 30).
Uggah, in a recent meeting with the architectural firm in charge of the project’s design, had asked for a traditional longhouse to be included within the fort area.
He was told a stature of Rentap would be placed at the Visitor’s Gallery at the foothill.
There will be a replica of Rentap’s canon “Bujang Timpang Berang”, which he used against the Brooke army placed there as well.
A gallery displaying various weapons used in the old days will also be among its components.
Uggah hoped that the fortress would attract visitors to Betong, which is accessible by roads including the Pan Borneo Highway and soon, the Second Trunk Road and the Bebuling STOLport.
He also thanked Abang Johari for forming the Integrated Development Area (BIDA), which will spur and spur and accelerate the division’s development, including the Layar, Bukit Saban, Saribas, Krian, Kabong, Kalaka, Beting Maro and part of the Lingga State constituencies.
The Premier also allocated a development budget of RM1.5 billion to BIDA.
On another matter, Uggah said efforts would continue to promote modern agriculture based on technologies and IoT (Internet of Things) here.
“We have some 500,000 hectares which are not adequately or yet to be developed.
“We would like our youth to take up the challenge of becoming modern farmers and agropreneurs,” he said.
On the Saribas Club, he congratulated and thanked its co-founder Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, who was the former Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister.
Additionally, Uggah announced the appointment of political secretary to the Premier, Dr Richard Rapu as its new chairman.
Among those present were Uggah’s wife, Datuk Doreen Mayang, Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat, Layar assemblyman Datuk Gerald Rentap, and Alfred Jabu, as well as their respective wives. — DayakDaily
