02-08-2025
Rural bus Route 89 in Miri re-routed to Simpang Batu Niah to meet passenger demand
Dennis (third left), Lee Kim Shin (fourth right), Lee Khoi Yun (right), with MTC staff and passengers pose for a group photo.
MIRI (Aug 2): The rural bus service from Miri to Long Lama (Route 89), operated by Miri Transport Company Sdn Bhd (MTC), has been re-routed from its previous stop at Batu Niah (near Niah Cave) to Simpang Batu Niah to better meet passenger demand, said Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
Lee clarified that the service is not new, as some have claimed, but was adjusted due to low passenger numbers at Batu Niah.
'It was initially expected that there would be higher demand for Batu Niah, given its status as a tourist destination. However, passenger numbers were low, while demand for Simpang Batu Niah was stronger.
This led to the decision to re-route the service,' he told reporters at Wisma Pelita Tunku this morning.
Lee explained that Route 89 travels from Miri, passing through Simpang Batu Niah, Simpang Mamut (Beluru), Bakong, and Lapok, before reaching Long Lama.
The service was first introduced on March 8 this year following a request by Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, and originally included a scheduled stop at Batu Niah. It initially operated with two return trips daily between Miri and Long Lama.
However, with the rerouting to Simpang Batu Niah and increased demand, Lee announced that the service has now expanded to three return trips daily.
Lee thanked MTC for taking on the task of operating the rural bus service and responding to the needs of local communities.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, who joined Lee at the press conference, expressed appreciation to MOTS and MTC, saying the bus service has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from rural residents.
'Previously, many residents travelling to Miri had to spend over RM100 on transport. With the rural bus service, the cost is now only about less than half of the amount. This service has truly made life easier for the people, especially those in the rural areas,' he said.
He added that the introduction of an additional daily trip has provided even greater convenience and flexibility for residents to plan their travel, improving connectivity between rural towns and urban centres.
Dennis also noted a rise in passengers making short day trips to Long Lama, which he said is a positive boost for domestic tourism.
Also present was MTC chairman Lee Khoi Yun. Lee Kim Shin Miri Transport Company rural bus service
