BETONG: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved the upgrade of Betong’s electricity supply to a three-phase system, along with the construction of new administrative buildings for the constituency.
He said at least RM150 million will be allocated for the electricity upgrade, similar to the RM150 million project already approved for Kota Samarahan to meet increasing demand.
“In the past, a single-phase supply was enough for lighting. But now it’s insufficient. That’s why we are upgrading to a three-phase system.
“We used our own Sarawak funds, RM150 million to upgrade the electricity supply in Samarahan. Samarahan is done, Betong will be next.
“Uggah told me that Betong always experiences power trips. I said just go ahead. We can’t have people in Betong still dealing with electricity issues,” he said when officiating the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge here today.
Abang Johari also approved Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas’ request for new buildings to house the Betong District Council and Betong District Office.
“There’s no problem. What matters is we don’t fight among ourselves. We must protect Sarawak’s image and continue developing,” he said.
The Premier added that Sarawakians’ strong support for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has allowed his government to continue implementing meaningful development projects.
“My colleagues and I consider this as ‘amal jariah’. When I do it, I earn ‘pahala’, and so do you. We have no other motive but to serve,” he said.
Earlier, Uggah appealed for both the electricity upgrade and new buildings for Betong’s administrative functions to be included under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
He also noted that the current council and district office buildings are outdated and no longer suitable for daily operations.
“Most of our system here is still single or two-phase. If we can upgrade to three-phase, things will be much easier. The world has advanced.
“We are appealing to the state government to build new, more comfortable offices for both departments under the 13MP,” said Uggah.