New Betong Rest House Reaches 65 Per Cent Completion
BETONG: The construction project for the new Betong Rest House has reached a physical progress of approximately 65 per cent and is expected to be completed on schedule by January 2027 to meet the official accommodation needs in the Betong Division.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, stated that the project is an initiative of the Sarawak Government under the Projek Rakyat fund, which allocates a ceiling value of RM12 million.
According to him, the construction contract worth RM10 million is showing satisfactory progress, with the contractor's performance remaining firmly on track.
"The briefing given was highly detailed, and we also discussed several improvements that need to be implemented. I hope this project can be completed next year as scheduled," he said.
He said this after attending the Project Briefing for the Construction of The New Betong Rest House, presented by the Betong Division Public Works Department (JKR) at the Spaoh Sub-District Office Meeting Room on Sunday.
He added that the construction of the new resthouse is highly significant since Betong, as a divisional administrative centre, still lacks a permanent government resthouse to accommodate official programmes.
He noted that the previous shortage of accommodation facilities forced some government guests to stay in Sri Aman when attending official events in Betong.
"That is why the construction of this resthouse is crucial so that more comfortable facilities can be provided to official guests, while also supporting the organisation of various government programmes in the Betong Division," he remarked.
The project, which commenced on July 18, 2025, is being developed to replace the existing resthouse, which is dilapidated and no longer suitable for upgrading.
The scope of development encompasses the construction of two VVIP resthouse units, two VIP resthouse units, eight standard rooms, a 500-capacity hall, a dining hall, a cafeteria, administrative and operational facilities, a workshop, utility amenities, a surau, a VIP lounge, discussion rooms, a lobby, storerooms, as well as recreational facilities including gazebos and pedestrian walkways.
The briefing also involved consultants and the contractor to discuss the current progress of the project's implementation.
Also present were Betong Division Resident Datu Richard Michael Abunawas, Betong District Officer Laga Kueh, Betong District Council Secretary Lister Clement Guwie, and Administrative Officer in Charge of the Spaoh Sub-District Denny Lim. — UKASnews
