Former deputy chief minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu (second left) presenting an Iban sword to Uggah at the Saribas Club Gawai dinner.
KUCHING: A replica of Kubu Rentap, the fortress of legendary Iban warrior Rentap, will be built at its original Bukit Sadok site in Betong division, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
The Sarawak Deputy Premier said the state government had agreed to the project, which would enhance tourism in Betong.
"Our Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg recently approved an allocation of RM16mil for the project, inclusive of its supporting facilities," he said at the Saribas Club Gawai dinner here on Thursday (June 30) night.
The rebuilt fort will include a statue of Rentap at its visitors' gallery and a replica of his "Bujang Timpang Berang" cannon, which he used against the army during the Brooke era in the 19th century.
There will also be a traditional longhouse within the fort area and a gallery to display weapons used in the past.
Uggah said the fort would attract visitors to Betong, which was accessible via the Pan Borneo Highway and soon on the second trunk road and Bebuling STOLport (short take-off and landing airport), which were currently under construction.
He also said the state government had formed the Betong Integrated Development Agency (BIDA) with a budget of RM1.5bil to spur growth in the area.
BIDA covers the Layar, Bukit Saban, Saribas, Krian, Kabong, Kalaka, Beting Maro and part of the Lingga state constituencies.
