Betong Division, formed on 26 March 2002, is one of the twelve administrative divisions in Sarawak, Malaysia. Formerly part of Sri Aman Division, Betong is in the Saribas area. It has a total area of 4,180.8 square kilometres, and is the smallest of the administrative divisions of Sarawak. Saribas is famous for its Iban longhouses and is regarded as the center for Iban culture. It was annexed to Sarawak by Rajah James Brooke, after his victory over the Sekrang and Saribas Iban at the Battle of Beting Maru on 31 July 1849. Betong Division contains two administrative districts: Betong and Saratok. The total population is 99,800. The population is culturally mixed, with the majority Iban interacting well with the Malay and Chinese in almost all spheres of activity since the pre-colonial days. In Sarawak, Betong has the most administrative sub-districts. The sub-districts under Betong district are Pusa, Spaoh, Debak and Meludam, while those under Saratok district are Roban, Kabong and Budu. There is about 222 longhouses Demography The population of Betong Division (year 2008 estimate) was 116,700. Ethnics Betong division is traditionally a home to Iban, Malay and Chinese people. Most Ibans are scattered throughout rural areas of Betong and Saratok. Whilst, Malay people are concentrated at the town and major village areas in Betong (especially at Pusa and Maludam area) and Saratok. Chinese people are more concentrated at town areas, such as at Betong and Saratok, while some resides at Pusa. Other races such as Bidayuh, Melanau and Orang Ulu are not native to Betong division. However, due to migration all over Sarawak, more and more of them coming to Betong to settle. Foreign workers is a rare sight in Betong division. Many of them work in palm oil plantations. Members of Parliament Geography and economy Betong Division is divided into three broad topographical regions — the coastal or riverine region, the midland region, and the inland or hilly interior region. The coastal or riverine region is mainly made up of peat swamp with very limited suitable area for agricultural activities in its natural condition. In areas with improved irrigation systems, the soil has gradually improved to enable some agricultural activities to be carried out. Some of the crops planted in the coastal or riverine region are wet paddy, sago, coconuts and perennial crops. Some of the coastal or riverine areas have potential for aquaculture activities such as brackish