Latest news with #MiriCityCouncil
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Borneo Post
MetMalaysia to conduct tsunami siren test at Miri's Luak Esplanade tomorrow
The upgraded tsunami siren system at Luak Esplanade. MIRI (May 22): The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) will be conducting a full-scale test of its upgraded tsunami siren system at Luak Esplanade here between 9am and noon tomorrow (May 23). This initiative is part of a broader commitment by MetMalaysia to improve early warning systems across coastal areas vulnerable to seismic and tsunami activity, said its Miri supervisor Freddie Anit in a statement. 'The newly enhanced siren system is now a fully operational component of the National Tsunami Early Warning System. 'The upgrade is designed to further strengthen the existing early warning infrastructure in Miri, supporting more efficient and timely disaster management and prevention measures,' he said. Freddie said during the testing period, loud voice messages and sirens will be broadcast at full volume and are expected to be heard within a 3km radius of the siren location. He advised the public not to be alarmed by the siren sounds during this scheduled test. To avoid unnecessary panic, MetMalaysia called on community leaders, government departments and agencies, and emergency response stakeholders to help disseminate information regarding the test to the public. There are currently three tsunami siren systems here, with the other two located at the Miri City Council car park and in front of New World Mart in Lutong. Luak Esplanade metmalaysia miri siren test tsunami siren system
Borneo Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
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
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sarawak Assembly passes bill to increase councillors in 5 municipal councils
KUCHING: The Sarawak legislative assembly has unanimously passed the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving public service delivery across the state. The bill, tabled by Deputy Premier and Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, amends the Local Authorities Ordinance in response to Sarawak's growing population and increasingly complex community needs. "There are currently 27 councils under my ministry, including the newly-established Gedong, Sebuyau, and Siburan district councils. "All operate under the councillorship system to serve their local communities," he said. Eight assembly members took part in the debate involving key amendments to Sections 10 and 11 of the ordinance to increase the number of councillors in five major councils. Under the amendment, the Kuching South City Council, Miri City Council and the municipal councils of Sibu, Padawan and Kota Samarahan will each have 33 councillors, up from 30. "This number excludes the mayor, deputy mayor, and deputy chairman," he said. Dr Sim said the increase in councillors was necessary to manage the rising workload, particularly in urban areas where public demands are becoming more varied and complex. "This move will boost grassroots participation, strengthen community engagement, and enhance service delivery to the rakyat," he said. An amendment to Section 172A also empowers the State Cabinet to revise all schedules under the ordinance, allowing greater flexibility in managing local government affairs. Dr Sim reiterated the importance of the councillorship system in promoting inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring development is people-centred and locally relevant. "With this amendment, councils will be better equipped to meet expectations for efficient and effective service delivery," he emphasised. – Bernama
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DUN sitting: Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed, increasing councillor numbers for local authorities
Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (May 20): The Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been passed to increase the number of councillors in several local authorities across Sarawak. These include the Kuching South City Council and Miri City Council, as well as three municipal councils: Sibu Municipal Council, Padawan Municipal Council, and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council. The number of councillors for each of these councils will be increased from 30 to 33, excluding the Mayor and Deputy Mayor (for city councils) and the Chairman and Deputy Chairman (for municipal councils), said Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The latest amendment to the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996 [Cap.20] was made in 2020, he said in his winding up speech upon the passing of the Bill after its third reading at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. 'After five years, it is necessary to update the Ordinance to reflect current developments and amend the provisions to meet present-day changes and expectations,' he said. 'Currently, there are 27 councils in Sarawak under my Ministry including the newly created councils namely, Gedong District Council, Sebuyau District Council and Siburan District Council. All of these 27 councils are practising the councillorship system in their administration to serve the public and community in their respective jurisdictions,' said Dr Sim, who is also Deputy Premier of Sarawak. 'As the population grows particularly in areas under the jurisdiction of major councils such as City Councils and Municipal Councils, the needs of the constituents become more diverse and complex.' 'It is essential for local representation at the community level be increased to better serve the needs of the people,' he insisted. He said the amendments to Sections 10, 10A, and 11 of the Ordinance were intended to facilitate this increase in councillor numbers. He added the amendment to Section 172A on the other hand, is to empower the State Cabinet (or Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri) to amend all the schedules in the Ordinance. The roles and functions of councillors have increased tremendously in recent years, as the public expects them to solve problems or issues on the ground expeditiously beyond ordinary working hours, he said. 'The City and Municipal Councils are currently overburdened by various workloads, resulting in slower response time which triggers dissatisfaction of the people toward services rendered by the councils. 'By increasing the numbers of councillors in major councils, it will ensure grassroots participation, community engagement and more effective service delivery to the people,' he added. 'Councillors play a vital role in local governance and policy-making. They are responsible for ensuring that local priorities and needs are reflected in council decisions,' he said. 'They monitor council services, follow up on complaints, push for improvements, and uphold service delivery standards. The councillorship system promotes inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring that development is people-driven and locally relevant,' he added. 'In conclusion, with the passing of this amendment Bill to increase the number of councillors, we can better meet public expectations for efficient and effective local government services.'
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Sarawak assembly passes bill to increase councillors in five major councils
KUCHING: The Sarawak legislative assembly has unanimously passed the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving public service delivery across the state. The Bill, tabled by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, amends the Local Authorities Ordinance in response to Sarawak's growing population and increasingly complex community needs. 'There are currently 27 councils under my ministry, including the newly established Gedong, Sebuyau, and Siburan district councils. All operate under the councillorship system to serve their local communities,' he explained. Eight assembly members took part in the debate involving key amendments to Sections 10 and 11 of the ordinance to increase the number of councillors in five major councils. Under the amendment, the Kuching South City Council, Miri City Council and the municipal councils of Sibu, Padawan and Kota Samarahan will each have 33 councillors, up from 30. 'This number excludes the mayor, deputy mayor, and deputy chairman,' he added. Dr Sim said the increase in councillors was necessary to manage the rising workload, particularly in urban areas where public demands are becoming more varied and complex. 'This move will boost grassroots participation, strengthen community engagement, and enhance service delivery to the rakyat,' he said. An amendment to Section 172A also empowers the State Cabinet to revise all schedules under the ordinance, allowing greater flexibility in managing local government affairs. Dr Sim reiterated the importance of the councillorship system in promoting inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring development is people-centred and locally relevant. 'With this amendment, councils will be better equipped to meet expectations for efficient and effective service delivery,' he emphasised.
