BETONG – His Excellency the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, arrived at the Betong Division Sports Complex on Saturday morning, marking his first official visit to the division since assuming office as Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
The couple travelled by special helicopter from Kuching’s Hornbill Skyways Terminal, landing at 11.45 am. They were joined by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Datuk Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman Junaidi, who served as ministerial escort, accompanied by his wife Datin Hajah Siti Shorgayah Ahmad Zaidin.
Their arrival was warmly received by Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, together with Datin Amar Doreen Mayang.
Also present were Betong Member of Parliament, Dato Dr. Richard Rapu @ Aman Begri, Deputy Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing II, Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development I, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, each accompanied by their spouses.
Local leaders including Betong Division Resident Datu Richard Michael Abunawas, Deputy Resident Mohammad Nizam Wang, Temenggong Richard Mulok Entring, Temenggong Kuek Tu Teck, and Pemanca Norman Ngumbang Sanggin also attended the welcoming ceremony.
The occasion was enriched by a hadrah performance from the Kampung Melayu Betong Hadrah Group, while prayers were led by Ustaz Haji Mohamad Ihsan Haidzir, Deputy Imam Besar of Sarawak.
The cultural and religious elements underscored the significance of the governor’s visit, blending tradition with official protocol.
This visit coincides with the Sarawak-level celebration of the Official Birthday of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVII in 2026.
The governor’s presence in Betong highlights the importance of regional engagement and reinforces the role of the head of state in fostering unity across Sarawak’s divisions.
Tun Pehin Sri and Toh Puan expressed their hopes that the programme would proceed smoothly and successfully, emphasising the value of harmony and collective effort in ensuring the event’s success.
Their participation reflects a broader commitment to strengthening ties between state leadership and local communities.
The governor’s first official visit to Betong is seen as a symbolic gesture of inclusivity, recognising the division’s role in Sarawak’s development and cultural identity.
It also sets the tone for future engagements aimed at reinforcing community spirit and celebrating shared heritage.
