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Betong is a
town and administrative district of the Betong Division in
Sarawak,
Malaysia, lying in the Saribas area. It was formerly placed under the
district of Sri Aman. Betong division is located between three main
rivers, Batang Lupar, Batang Saribas and Batang Kelaka, covering an area
of 4,180 km2.
By October 2011, the population was nearly 94,000, the majority being
Malays (51,290), followed by Iban (37,283), Chinese (5,084), Bidayuh
(225), and Melanau (219), while the remaining are other races.
Main areas are farming, agriculture and fishing but there are some who
work in the public and private sectors as well as business (most
businesses are family owned).
As a way to ensure the development of human capital to meet the demands of
Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and other major projects in
the State, major investments are made in the development of educational
facilities like vocational schools and polytechnics. This will also
encourage more local and foreign investors to come to Betong and explore
opportunities they never knew Betong had. An increase in investment will
then ensure sustainable growth for Betong for years to come, which can
only be good for young people.
In recognition of Betong’s rich history, rapid growth and contribution to
Sarawak's economy, it was accorded Division status in 2002. It was then
selected to become the administrative division centre. The areas of
administration include the Saratok District and the Betong District.
Betong has also been expanded to cover the Small District of Maludam,
which was previously under the jurisdiction of the Sri Aman District.
Betong is acknowledged by many as the place where the earliest educated Ibans can be found. This paved the way for Ibans in other areas to also
educate themselves to improve their quality of life.
Sources:
Wikipedia
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