By DayakDaily Team
BETONG, Aug 7: The Betong Youth Academy, which is set to become a landmark youth development facility in the Betong Division, is scheduled for full completion on May 5, 2028, as part of the Sarawak government’s efforts to strengthen youth empowerment through modern and comprehensive training infrastructure.
The project’s progress was recently inspected during a working visit by Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu to the project site on Thursday (Aug 6).
The visit was joined by representatives from the Public Works Department (JKR) Betong Division as the implementing agency, Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), project consultants and the contractor.
According to JKR Sarawak in a statement posted on its social media, the proposed Betong Youth Academy project commenced on May 6, 2026, and is among the state government’s strategic initiatives to nurture a competitive, skilled and capable younger generation through the provision of quality youth development facilities.
The development will feature a main building block known as Youth Central, male and female hostel facilities, a quarters block, mechanical and electrical (M&E) works, as well as related external works.
Upon completion, the academy is expected to serve as a comprehensive youth development hub supporting various programmes focused on training, leadership, character building and skills enhancement.
During the site visit, Hasrul Nizzah Abu Hassan, representing the project superintending officer, delivered a briefing on the current status of the project, including implementation progress, challenges faced at the site and mitigation measures being carried out to ensure completion within the stipulated timeline, cost and specifications.
Gerald emphasised the importance of close cooperation among all stakeholders involved in ensuring the project remains on schedule and achieves its intended objectives.
He said the development reflected the Sarawak government’s commitment to providing high-quality and impactful facilities that would support youth development and benefit the community in the Betong Division.
JKR Sarawak emphasised its commitment to ensuring the project is implemented efficiently, with quality and in accordance with the required standards.
Once completed, the Betong Youth Academy is expected to serve as a catalyst for human capital development, strengthen the youth development ecosystem and contribute to the social and economic growth of the area. — DayakDaily
