Betong, Sarawak

Betong is a town in Betong Division in Sarawak, Malaysia, lying in the Saribas area. It used to be placed under the district of Sri Aman.

Betong
Town
Seal
Betong
Coordinates: 1°24′0″N 111°31′0″E
Country Malaysia
State Sarawak
DivisionBetong
DistrictBetong
Population
 • Total51,426

Location

Betong division is located between three main rivers, Batang Lupar, Batang Saribas and Batang Kelaka, covering an area of 4,180 km2.

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.

  • Rainforest of Ulu Anyut, Betong
  • Iban natives of Betong
  • Typical Iban longhouse in Betong (Senunok longhouse, Ulu Paku)

Transport

Bus Express

Most bus express will pass through Betong junction, but only one bus route will enter Betong bus station.

Operating Route Operator Remark
Miri-Bintulu-Sibu-Sarikei-Betong-Lubok Antu Borneo Bus

Climate

Betong has a tropical rainforest climate (Af) with heavy to very heavy rainfall year-round.

Climate data for Betong
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 30.2
(86.4)		 30.4
(86.7)		 31.3
(88.3)		 32.0
(89.6)		 32.4
(90.3)		 32.3
(90.1)		 32.1
(89.8)		 32.0
(89.6)		 31.9
(89.4)		 31.7
(89.1)		 31.4
(88.5)		 30.8
(87.4)		 31.5
(88.8)
Daily mean °C (°F) 26.3
(79.3)		 26.4
(79.5)		 26.9
(80.4)		 27.3
(81.1)		 27.7
(81.9)		 27.5
(81.5)		 27.2
(81.0)		 27.1
(80.8)		 27.2
(81.0)		 27.1
(80.8)		 26.9
(80.4)		 26.6
(79.9)		 27.0
(80.6)
Average low °C (°F) 22.4
(72.3)		 22.4
(72.3)		 22.6
(72.7)		 22.7
(72.9)		 23.1
(73.6)		 22.7
(72.9)		 22.3
(72.1)		 22.3
(72.1)		 22.5
(72.5)		 22.5
(72.5)		 22.5
(72.5)		 22.4
(72.3)		 22.5
(72.6)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 330
(13.0)		 259
(10.2)		 286
(11.3)		 270
(10.6)		 271
(10.7)		 192
(7.6)		 170
(6.7)		 264
(10.4)		 270
(10.6)		 287
(11.3)		 323
(12.7)		 402
(15.8)		 3,324
(130.9)
Source: Climate-Data.org[1]

Notable people
  • Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (born 1999), national powerlifter who was born in Betong.
  • Henry Golding (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
  1. "Climate: Betong". Climate-Data.org. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
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