By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 19: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has agreed in principle to the proposed 10,000-hectare agropark in Betong, which aims to transform the region into a major agri-food production hub and catalyst for large-scale modern farming.
He said the proposed agropark, brought forward by Beting Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor, will be located in the Saribas Tengah area, stretching from Tanjung Lilin to Kampung Buda at the border between the Beting Maro and Saribas constituencies.
“Earlier, YB Razaili requested for an agropark across the river in this area. I agreed to it.
“He asked for 10,000 hectares so I will instruct the Land and Survey Department to conduct a study on the land, to determine the suitable crops based on its soil structure,” Abang Johari said during the opening of the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge and launch of the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), which was broadcast live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) via Facebook today.
He added that artificial intelligence (AI) will be used to analyse the land’s suitability for crops such as pineapples, nipah and others.
“From the infrastructure side, I agree that an agropark should be established in Betong,” he stated, while reminding landowners to safeguard their land assets and take advantage of agricultural opportunities.
“Your land is your future. If you lose it, you lose your future. Developed properly, it can bring great returns,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Razaili appealed to Abang Johari to consider establishing a 10,000-hectare agropark in the Saribas Tengah region, located within the Sablor area near the border between the Beting Maro and Saribas constituencies.
He said the proposed site lies just across the river, stretching from Tanjung Lilin to Kampung Buda in Saribas, and holds great potential to become a modern agricultural hub.
“This agropark could focus on large-scale cultivation of pineapples, coconuts, paddy, herbs and livestock.
“It will also create opportunities for high-tech agricultural companies and investors, including the adoption of green technology and the production of biomass-based products such as feedstock and renewable energy,” he said.
Razaili emphasised that the initiative aligns with Sarawak’s strategic aspirations under the ‘Waste to Energy’ and ‘Waste to Wealth’ agendas.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also revealed plans to develop new housing areas in Beting Maro and Pusa through a new standardised scheme.
“The Land and Survey Department director is here to assess possible locations. We will build modern housing like in Sungai Bedaun (Kuching) or Kemuyang (Sibu). Unlike before, when only lots were given and people had to build their own homes, now the government provides lots complete with infrastructure,” he said.
He explained that in Kabong, the State government is currently implementing such a housing scheme, and that the lot development cost of about RM150,000 is fully borne by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government.
“Buyers will not bear the cost. Even the RM10,000 down payment for the house will be covered by the government,” he said, adding that the initiative will be rolled out in the Beting Maro and Pusa areas.
Touching on connectivity and digital access, Abang Johari said the State government is studying the use of Satellite-Based Data Network (SBDN) systems to bring internet access to rural areas without relying on cable.
“We will explore technology that allows data to go straight to the cloud and then be retrieved on our devices. I will ask Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi (Minister of Utilities) to identify suitable technologies for rural use,” he said.
He also cautioned against misinformation surrounding the safety of telecommunications towers, which he said has hindered internet access in some areas.
“Scientists have confirmed that the radiation is minimal and does not affect human health, but there are still people spreading fear and protesting. If there’s no tower, there’s no internet. In the end, we are the ones who lose,” he said.
Additionally, Abang Johari agreed to the proposal by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas to construct a new building for the Betong District Council and Betong District Office under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). – DayakDaily
