Betong is a town in
Betong Division
Betong Division, formed on 26 March 2002, is one of the twelve administrative divisions in Sarawak, Malaysia. Formerly part of Sri Aman Division, Betong is in the Saribas area. It has a total area of 4,180.8 square kilometres, and is the smalle ...
in
Sarawak
Sarawak (; ) is a States and federal territories of Malaysia, state of Malaysia. The largest among the 13 states, with an area almost equal to that of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak is located in northwest Borneo Island, and is bordered by the M ...
,
Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
, lying in the
Saribas
Saribas is an area made up of the three main rivers in the Betong Division of Sarawak, Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of M ...
area. It used to be placed under the district of
Sri Aman.
Location
Betong division is located between three main rivers, Batang Lupar, Batang Saribas and Batang Kelaka, covering an area of 4,180 km
2.
Population
By October 2011, the population was nearly 94,000, the majority being Ibans (51,290), followed by Malays (37,283), Chinese (5,084), Bidayuh (225), and Melanau (219), while the remaining are other races.
Economy
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).
Education
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 is expected to encourage more local and foreign investors to come to Betong and explore opportunities they never knew Betong had.
Recognition
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 had been 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.
Image:Babas betong.JPG, Rainforest of Ulu Anyut, Betong
Image:Iban people of Betong.jpg, Iban natives of Betong
File:Betong, Sarawak Iban longhouse.jpg, Typical Iban longhouse in Betong (Senunok longhouse, Ulu Paku
Ulu Paku is an area in the small sub-district of Spaoh, Betong Division, Sarawak, Malaysia. It is a primarily native Iban area. It is made up of 11 Iban longhouse
A longhouse or long house is a type of long, proportionately narrow, single-room ...
)
Transport
Bus Express
Most bus express will pass through Betong junction, but only one bus route will enter Betong bus station.
Climate
Betong has a
tropical rainforest climate
A tropical rainforest climate, humid tropical climate or equatorial climate is a tropical climate sub-type usually found within 10 to 15 degrees latitude of the equator. There are some other areas at higher latitudes, such as the coast of southea ...
(Af) with heavy to very heavy rainfall year-round.
Notable people
*
Bonnie Bunyau Gustin
Bonnie Bunyau anak Gustin (born 3 June 1999) is a Malaysian powerlifter. He won Malaysia's first ever gold medal in the sport in the men's 72 kg event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, breaking the Paralympic record in the process.
...
(born 1999), national powerlifter who was born in Betong.
*
Henry Golding
Henry Ewan Golding (born 5 February 1987) is a Malaysian-British actor and television host. Golding has been a presenter on BBC's ''The Travel Show'' since 2014. He is known for his film work, playing the role of Nick Young in ''Crazy Rich Asia ...
(born 1987), actor and model.
Schools and colleges
*SMK Datuk Patinggi Kedit Betong
*SMK Spaoh Betong
*SMK Pusa, Betong
*Kolej Vokasional Betong
*SMK Ulu Layar Betong
*Maktab Rendah Sains Mara Betong (MRSM)
*SMK Beladin, Betong
*SK ST John, Betong
*Kolej Komuniti Betong
*Polytechnic Metro Betong Sarawak
*SK Spaoh Betong
*SJK Chung Hua Betong
*SK Balingan, Betong
*SK Nanga Ajau,Betong
*SK St Augustine Betong
*SMK St Augustine Betong
* Pusat GIATMARA Betong
References
{{Sarawak
Betong District
Towns in Sarawak