BETONG, Aug 1 2026: Plots of federal land in central zone will be developed for housing, infrastructure and agriculture once they are returned to the state, Premier Abang Johari Openg assured here today, saying that the state government has prepared a comprehensive plan for the development of the federal land.
He said any federal land which has not been developed within five after it has been alienated to the federal government will have to be returned to the state.
He said this was reached during negotiations at the Technical Committee meeting under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MA63IAC).
The premier said the plots of land would be fully utilised to generate development and improve the wellbeing of the people.
"We do want to develop the areas in central zone covering Sibu, Song and Kanowit with an allocation of RM1.5 billion.
"Firstly, the longhouses in the areas are too congested and the roads are not very good.
"From an agricultural industry perspective, it can also be developed.
"A plan has been submitted by the Mid Rajang Development Agency (MiRRDA), chaired by Aaron Ago Dagang, and the officer coordinating it is former Sarawak State Secretary Jaul Samion.
“He is the economist tasked with developing the longhouses there," he said.
He said this at a press conference after the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Betong Zone Special Convention today.
He explained that among the key components of the development plan are the provision of more organised housing areas, upgrading of the road network, and expansion of high-impact agricultural activities to stimulate local economic growth.
In other developments, the premier said development in the central zone continues to record progress through the implementation of various infrastructure projects, modernisation of the agricultural sector, strengthening of the tourism industry and adoption of technology.
He added that the successful export of tilapia to Singapore demonstrates the great potential of Sarawak's agrofood sector, while improvements to logistics facilities, including the Bebuling Short Take-Off and Landing Port (STOLport), are expected to strengthen the supply chain and expand export markets.
"In Batang Ai, today we are able to export tilapia to Singapore. This certainly reflects a success in that field.
"And with the connectivity network in terms of roads as well as the Bebuling STOLport, this produce can continue to be marketed," he said.
He also stressed that efforts to nurture more talent in science, technology and innovation will continue to be strengthened through initiatives such as the Sarawak Science Centre to support the state's development agenda.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and other PBB leaders
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