BETONG CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE ( BCHCC )

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BETONG CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE ( BCHCC )

Betong division is in need of a place to showcase good local handicrafts and products. Also to
promote the area as a tourist hub, especially since Betong has many historical sites, yet relatively
unknown. This will attract local visitors and foreign tourists to Betong, and at this centre tourists or
visitors are able to access information on what Betong can offer, to make their visit or stay in
Betong interesting and unforgettable.

VISION
To provide an informative gateway to Betong, a one-stop information hub and community centre
that tells the story of its history, people, food, culture and places to visit.

MISSION
To create awareness, place-making, community mapping, ownership and pride of place for the
people of Betong.

LOCATION
Thriving communities have safe, vibrant downtown areas. When council authorities contemplate
what to do with abandoned “eyesore spaces”, they are often tempted to tear them down and
leave blank slates for new developments. New construction is expensive, however, and the
vacant buildings might even have historical significance to the community. A better option is to
repurpose them for civic use.

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1st Quarters on Higher Ground 2nd Quarters on Lower Ground

Two plots of state land, approx 1.7acres in total, have been identified for this proposal. Currently
the site of two abandoned government quarters which have been left to deteriorate for the last 20
years, and now covered in undergrowth. It is sited along Jalan Betong, the main road that
connects the Pan Borneo Highway into Betong town (see land title and locality map as attached).

PROPOSED WORK TO BUILDING SITES FOR CENTRE
1. Design and build a new extension to connect the 2 existing building structures together
2. Fence up the compound, and landscape the gardens
3. Plumbing and rewiring to buildings, indoor and outdoor lighting
4. BOMBA compliant
5. Build a longhouse style accommodation for model homestay programmes
6. Build outdoor toilet and cooking facilities
7. Designated campsite

THE CENTRE
Betong Cultural Heritage Community Centre (BCHCC) was an idea mooted by community
members, and inspired by Betong’s rich historical past, cultural diversity, and vibrant tribes. A
committee to operate and manage this centre will be formed, spearheaded by YBhg Datin
Rosemarie Wong, wife of YB Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, ADUN N36 Layar, Betong, together with
community leaders and members, BCHCC will be a one-stop centre encompassing the following:

1. Visitor information- Historical sites, self-guided tours, must-eat foods and places of
interest to visit

2. History museum- The story of Betong and its people and architecture (significant
buildings, the Brookes, YBs/MPs, community leaders, high achievers)

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3. Community Gallery- An insight to its local culture (various ethnic groups, costumes,
festivals, rituals, way of life)

4. Sales counter/ Gallery- Handicrafts (traditional and contemporary), costumes, Food
products

5. Photo corner (costumes for hire)
6. Performance area (for events and to showcase cultural performances, pre-arranged)
7. Homestay- a replica longhouse for the purpose of homestay experience and an outdoor

campsite

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SUSTAINABILITY
1. Entry fees/ Donations will be encouraged
2. Community members/ Families with items of historical value, heirloom, or items of
interest, can be donated or on loan to the Community Gallery, with a form of
acknowledgement
3. A small replica longhouse (minimum 10 “bilik”) will be built on site within the grounds,
which will serve as a homestay model (bed and breakfast) for the area. There will be a
campsite and BBQ facilities. Tourists and visitors will be able to book rooms for short term
stays

4. Commission proceeds from sales of Handicrafts, food products and costume rental
5. Venue hire for events (including catering)- for performances, classes, exhibitions and

pop-up events
6. With community at the heart of ownership, a gotong royong spirit will play a large role in

upkeep and management of the centre. A permanent duty staff on site, and a committee
will also be set up to steer the direction and manage day-to-day operations and events.

Revenue generated from the above will be used to upkeep and run the premise.

We seek the support from:
● Premier of Sarawak (YAB Datuk Patinggi Datuk Amar Abang Johari)
● Deputy Premier of Sarawak, and ADUN N37 Bukit Saban, Betong (YB Datuk Amar
Douglas Uggah Embas)
● Member of Parliament for P204 Betong (YB Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat)
● Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development, and ADUN N36 Layar,
Betong (YB Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu)

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● Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development (Community

Wellbeing Development), and ADUN N35 Saribas, Betong (YB Mohd Razi Bin Sitam)
● Betong Integrated Development Agency (BIDA)
Stakeholders to be included in the project:
● Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Museum, Brooke Trust
● Betong Resident (Tuan Richard anak Michael Abunawas)
● Heads of Departments (JKR, Betong Council)
● Community Leaders (Temenggong, Pemancha, Penghulu, Tuai Rumah)
● NGOs in Betong Division
This centre will become one of the main attractions and most visited places in Betong both by
locals, visitors and tourists. The exhibition is so important with its acknowledgement of the validity
of local culture, and its emphasis on the rich cultural diversity of Betong. With the success of this
centre, and as a pilot project for Betong division, it can then be replicated in the various divisions
throughout Sarawak.

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THE ASKING
● 5+5+5 year lease to use both building sites rent free, tenant to maintain the building and
upkeep the grounds
● Kraftangan Malaysia to assist for renovation of craft section of building, as previously
discussed with YB Datuk Hajah Rubiah Wang, Chairman Kraftangan Malaysia
● Application to Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for exhibition grant
● Additional funding required from local ADUNs, MP and stakeholders

*Budget can be tabled and presented once site location confirmed and scope of work determined

BCHCC WORKING COMMITTEE:

NO FULL NAME PROFESSION HP NO
019-8581590
Chairman : Mr. Sigat Anak Sang Retired Teacher 019-8487453
1 010-9325360
Senior Assistant at SMK 014-8908632
Secretary Mr. Gary Tindi Anak Saribas 019-8842871
2 : Senior Assistant Teacher
at SK Ng Spak 013-8290899
Committee Guang IT Teacher at SMK
3 i Mr. Langi Ngawat- Saribas, Debak 019-8490348
Medical
Members Assistant,Hospital 019-8676801
Betong
ii Mr. Hossen Ungit Senior Assistant at SK 012-8979068
St.Bartholomew Ng 019-8179462
iii Mr. Robenson Chendan Geraji 012-8956627
Retired Govt Servant
iv Mr. Juitie Encharang with JBAL
Hon.Secretary
v Mr. Edmund Rintai Association of Sarawak
Inbound Agencies (ASIA)
vi Mr JC Chua Legal Practitioner
vii Mr. Joseph Terabawan Lecturer at metro
viii Mr. Anderian PloyTechnic Betong

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PROPOSED EXCO MEMBERS AND THE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF BCHCC 2022

1 Chairman : YBhg Datin Rosemarie Wong 019-8882778
2 Deputy Chairman : Mr. Sigat Anak Sang 019-8581590
3 Secretary : Mr. Gary Tindi Anak Guang 010-9325360
4 Treasurer : Mdm Yvonne Saman 010-2282527
5 Committee Members i Temenggong Richard Mulok 019-8589796
ii Pemancha Norman Ngumbang 011-15202861
iii Pemancha Kueh Choo Joo 019-8981238
iv Mr. Langi Ngawat 014-8908632
v Mr. Hossen Unggit 019-8842871
vi Mr. Robenson Chendan 013-8290899
vii Mr. Jutie Encharang 019-8490348
viii Mr. Edmund Rintai 019-8676801
ix Penghulu Stanley Ijau (Layar Tengah) 013-8088743
x Penghulu Libau (Spak) 019-4592794
xi Penghulu Linggi (Ulu Layar) 019-8592146
xii Penghulu Uyok (Padeh) 014-5931940
xiii Penghulu George Gerie (Layar Ili) 019-8387130
xiv Penghulu Abang Suhaili Bin Abang Pay 019-8793149
xv Miss Caroline Dayang-SIDS 019-8898411
xvi Miss Melissa Adam (AGROCRAFT) 011-18710782

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AIM
To be the nerve centre that helps to enhance, assist and support all local activities, and to
promote Betong as a dynamic cultural heritage centre in Sarawak by 2030.

OBJECTIVES
NO. OBJECTIVES

1 To provide overall, accurate & valuable information on Betong, to both locals and visitors.
A one-stop Centre for all communities in Betong to showcase their diverse ethnic

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cultures.
To boost the local economy of locals through sales of food and craft products, related

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hospitality and cultural services.

4 To provide a platform for all NGOs to carry out their respective cultural activities.
To ensure the viability, identification, documentation, research, preservation, protection,

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promotion, enhancement, transmission as well as revitalization of cultural heritage.
To ensure the protection of endangered cultural and natural resources and to enhance

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sustainable development primarily through sustainable tourism.
To bring awareness to alterations, development, redevelopment, construction, and

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demolition of historical sites & buildings in order to retain the heritage value of the area;
To promote conservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and renovation of buildings with

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historical value in Betong.

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY BCHCC

EVENTS / DETAILS ECONOMIC PARTIES
NO.
VALUES INVOLVED
ACTIVITIES
-Entrance fee to All races
1 CULTURAL Every ethic group will watch cultural involved.
SHOWS showcase their respective performances. Will be decided
cultures. - sale of traditional by BCHCC
food & drinks. Committee
2 HANDICRAFTS Showcase & market all local All NGOs &
handicrafts -Sale of individuals
handicrafts to including
visitors participation from
-Marketing of local Biro Wanitas
handicrafts to
outside market

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EVENTS / DETAILS ECONOMIC PARTIES
NO. VALUES INVOLVED

ACTIVITIES - Walking tour - Transport - Local
- Touring Betong Town charges for the institutions
TOWN TOUR & - visiting historical tour. offering Tourism
VISITING sites/buildings eg.Fort Lily - Income for Tour courses
3 HISTORICAL -Canon Bujang Timpang Guides and local - Freelance local
BUILDINGS / Berang at District Office F&B and souvenir guides
SITES -Old Tua Pek Kong shops - Licensed
Passenger
BUKIT SADOK Min.2 days 1 night stay, -Transport charges Transport
EXPEDITION & expedition to Bukit Sadok, - Locals from the - Licensed
4 TAGGANG FISH BBQ for larger groups longhouse at the Passenger
CULTIVATION foot of Bukit Sadok Transport
SITE Experience Betong Gawai will serve as - Rh. Malibu
Parade guides and longhouse
GAWAI PARADE porters, provide community
5 & GAWAI Visiting: food and lodging,
- Pepper Farm cultural Local community-
CELEBRATION - Oil palm performances owners of
- Cocoa traditional
VISIT TO - Paddy Fields - Renting of garments
6 AGRICULTURAL - Modern Agriculture various Dayak & interested to rent
- kelulut farm other traditional their traditional
PLACES - pineapple Farm costumes. Costumes can
- etc - F&B outlets register with
SPAK CLEAR Day trip to Spak Clear Water, BCHCC
7 WATER including; - Licenced
-picnic Transport - Farm owners
ADVENTURE Operators - JKKK
- Tour Guides - Community
- Sale of their Leaders
product
Priority given to
-Transport longhouses at
Charges Spak River
-Food charges

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-cooking activities at the river
bank

EVENTS / DETAILS ECONOMIC PARTIES
NO. INVOLVED
VALUES
ACTIVITIES Melabu
- Entrance Fee Longhouse
A close look at Semah - Transport community
Charges
8 MELABU SEMAH Conservation System in - Home stay
CONSERVATION Melabu - Food charges

SYSTEM

9 VISITING Visiting traditional houses of - Entrance Fee Selected
TRADITIONAL ethnic groups in Betong & - Food & Drink Traditional house
IBAN, MALAY & Enjoying traditional Charges owners (Matop,
CHINESE HOUSE Reception. - Cultural Samu, Bebangai
Performances Longhouse)

Replica of 10 door Room & Food BCHC

longhouses will be built as a Charges Propose to be

homestay together with built at the

10 HOMESTAY Malay & Chinese Traditional As a compliment quarters

houses. to hotels available compound

in Betong

11 CAMPING Provide a camping space for Camp site fees BCHCC
camp lovers
Basic facilities eg. toilet &
bath area to be built

12 EXHIBITION Showcase of: Various
Artefacts organisations,
Cultural costumes associations and
Handicrafts individuals
Community & people
History
Folklores
Foods
Agricultural crops
Festivals
Music
Traditional dances

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STRATEGIC PLANNING:

NO. ITEMS STRATEGIC PLANNING ESTIMATE REMARKS
1 Courtesy Visit to D COST
the Resident Working Committee pay a
courtesy visit to the .Resident to 2nd week of July
present the working paper on the
proposed BCHC

Courtesy Visit to Discussing possible acquisition of 3rd - 4th week of
2 MDB Secretary, site, usage and renovation ideas July

DE & L&S

1. Submission of proposal to

3 Planning Stage relevant authorities
2. Application for funding

The Proposed i) Clearing of the Items (i) - (iii) will
4 Centre: compound be done by locals.
Quotation will be
2 Gov’t Quarters ii) Cleaning of the house open to the
opposite DO iii) Repairing & Painting Betong
community
Site Visit after Site visit by the Chairman & Exco
5 clearing the together with Architect Qualified architect
will be consulted,
compound Planning for the site, usage, community
exhibition, display, content leaders, experts in
6 Planning the field of cultural
heritage, Tourism
7 Security of the - Building of fences players
area - Security Guards
Community
8 Commencement employed involvement
of Renovations
- Ground breaking
9 Content creation - Renovation done in
10 Planning for
phases
Launch - Exhibition panels
- Decoration
- Events
Opening ceremony

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LOCATILITY MAP & LAND TITLES

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