BETONG – The long-standing harmony among Betong’s multi-ethnic community must be safeguarded and passed on to future generations, said Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.
Speaking at the Betong Chinese Community Chinese New Year Dinner held at the Che Zhong Khor Betong Moral Uplifting Society Hall on Tuesday, the Layar Assemblyman expressed pride in witnessing the younger generation of the Chinese community living peacefully alongside Malay and Iban neighbours. He noted that this continuity across generations reflects the strength and resilience of Betong’s social fabric.
“The 100th anniversary celebration of the Betong Chinese Temple and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Chung Hua Betong last year marked over a century of this community being established here,” he said. “We must pass on these 100 years of harmony to generation after generation, for century after century.”
The Deputy Minister highlighted that the unity seen in Betong is a model for Sarawak’s diverse society, where cultural traditions and shared values continue to bind communities together. He stressed that such harmony is not only a legacy but also a responsibility to be nurtured by the younger generation.
During the event, Gerald Rentap announced an allocation of RM30,000 each to five Chinese community organisations in Betong. The recipients included the Che Zhong Khor Betong Moral Uplifting Society, the Betong Buddhist Association, the Betong Chinese Temple Charitable Trust, the Fu Sheng Gong Temple Followers’ Association, and the Shen Tan Gong Temple Followers’ Association.
The funding is expected to support cultural, religious and community-based initiatives, reinforcing the role of these organisations in sustaining traditions and fostering unity.
Community leaders at the dinner welcomed the announcement, noting that the allocations would help strengthen programmes that promote inclusivity and cultural preservation. The event itself was seen as a reflection of Betong’s multi-ethnic spirit, with attendees from different backgrounds celebrating together.
The emphasis on inter-ethnic harmony comes at a time when Sarawak continues to highlight its diversity as a strength. Leaders in the state have consistently underscored the importance of nurturing unity across communities to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.
By encouraging the younger generation to inherit and uphold these values, Betong’s leaders hope to ensure that the district remains a symbol of cultural coexistence and mutual respect for decades to come.
