Premier: Miri gets RM123.5 mln in devt projects under 12MP to propel city's growth
Dr Sim (front, centre) receives a memento from Yii (eight left) as Dr Chan (seventh right) Lee (eight right), Ting (sixth left), Rosey (seventh left) and other distinguished guests look on.
MIRI (May 21): A total of 14 development projects amounting RM123.5 million have been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to further enhance infrastructure and public amenities in Miri, in line with the city's vision of becoming a green, smart and resort city, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari stated that these projects reflect the government's commitment to supporting Miri's continued growth and transformation.
'Miri City's vision is to become a green, smart, and the most liveable international resort city. This vision is bold and inspiring and I am confident that it can be achieved,' he said in his speech at the Miri City's 20th anniversary gala dinner last night.
Abang Johari's speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Adding on, Abang Johari said with strategic focus, continued innovation and unwavering commitment from all parties, Miri can set a new benchmark for urban development, not only in Sarawak but also across the region.
He also revealed that from 2015 to 2025, a total of 548 projects have been implemented under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) across Miri, involving a total allocation of RM96.4 million.
Additionally, under the Miri City Council's (MCC) 'Projek Rakyat' initiative, 16 impactful projects have been successfully carried out with a total value of RM110.5 million, he added.
On education, Abang Johari said Miri is gradually emerging as a key higher education hub in Sarawak, with the presence of Curtin University Malaysia and the soon-to-be-established Fudan University Institutes of Integrative Medicine.
'These institutions will position Miri as a centre for international learning, research, and innovation. They will attract talent from across the region and contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy,' he added.
He also urged MCC to continue fostering strategic partnerships both domestically and internationally, through cultural exchanges, tourism cooperation, sustainable development and digital innovation.
'Sarawak is committed to accelerating our digital transformation agenda and I am proud to see Miri actively embracing its role as a smart city.
'By integrating technology, smart infrastructure and data-driven solutions, Miri is enhancing public services, improving urban mobility and building a more sustainable future for its people,' he said.
In conjunction with the city's 20th anniversary, Abang Johari reflected on Miri's transformation over the past two decades – from a modest oil town to a vibrant urban centre – which he said is a testament to the city's resilience and progressive leadership.
'Today, the resort city stands as a symbol of progress, resilience and innovation.
'This success is due to the leadership and vision of the city's administrators, past and present. I commend the mayor and all former mayors of Miri for their tireless efforts, strategic planning and outstanding execution in transforming Miri into one of Sarawak's most dynamic and liveable cities,' he added.
Meanwhile, Miri Mayor and Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang said the expansion of infrastructure, amenities, vibrant commercial zones, strategic public projects and rising tourist numbers are proof of Miri's evolving potential and future.
He noted that the city's gross domestic product (GDP) contribution has grown steadily, with increasing confidence shown by both local and international investors.
'As for Smart City initiatives, under the enlightened, visionary and dynamic leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Miri was fortunate to be selected as the pioneer city to roll out the Smart City Proof of Concept initiatives in Sept 2019.
'Since then, Miri City Council (MCC) has been implementing various smart initiatives, including moving all council transactions, payments and notices online, as well as digitising documents to be as paperless as possible,' he explained.
Yii added that MCC remains the only council in Sarawak to offer a mobile phone parking app, providing convenience to users.
He said the latest project is the completion of the Miri Smart City Command Centre (MSCCC), located on the third floor of the new MCC building.
'At the MSCCC, all closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and other data from our Safe Parks, Safe City, Smart Trucks, Smart Drains and Smart Buses are streamed for monitoring and analysis,' he said.
On Miri's aspiration to become a resort city since its inception, Yii said the city has, for the past 10 years, worked tirelessly to establish ties with other cities, regions, and countries through Friendship City agreements.
Currently, he said MCC has Friendship City relations with La Trinidad in the Philippines; Weihai City and Guangning County in China; Gochang County in Korea; Hualien in Taiwan; Singkawang and Tangerang Selatan in Indonesia.
'Miri Resort City wishes to establish more Friendship Cities in the future. We hope that when our very own Sarawak-based airline, AirBorneo, becomes operational and provides greater connectivity, we will be well-positioned to further develop our tourism sector for the benefit of Miri,' he said.
Among those present at the event were former Sarawak deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Miri Resident Galong Luang who was representing state secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development Datuk Rosey Yunus, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting, Mayor of Baguio city Philippines Benjamin B Magalong, Mayor of Itogon municipality Philippines Bernard Waclin, Mayor of Iskandar Puteri City Council Johor Ahmad Nazir Mohd Nasir and consul general of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching Musa Syahril. abang johari adam yii lead Miri City's 20th anniversary gala dinner
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