Dr Chan wants integrated efforts by govt and private sector to further develop Miri City

MIRI: More new ideas and inputs are needed to further develop Miri city, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan said Tuesday night.

Dr Chan said although Miri had experienced unprecedented development since it was elevated to a city, more needed to be done.

He said the people now acknowledged that Miri was already a city unlike their perception in the first one or two years where they claimed they did not notice much changes.

“With the coming of the second wave of development, the government as well as the private sector are looking at the type of development Miri needs now.

The deputy chief minister said the second wave of development depended a great deal on new ideas.

In this context, he called for continuous strong support from all sectors towards the integrated efforts in developing Miri City into a preferred premier tourist destination and educational centre in the region.

He said although education and tourism were two major areas given emphasis under the new wave of development, the development of the hinterland for commercial cultivation of fruits and flowers would also be given due attention.

Dr Chan was speaking to reporters before officiating at a cultural show held in connection with Miri City Day at Miri Indoor Stadium.

He said festivals like the Miri May Fest, Gawai Dayak, Miri International Jazz Festival and the Borneo International Yachting Challenge (BIYC) could help attract more visitors to the city.

“Miri City Incorporated too is actively promoting the diving sites off Miri,” he said, hoping that their efforts would be complemented by the federal government by allowing direct flights from Singapore to here.

He said direct international flights were crucial for the development of the tourism sector here.

On the cultural show, he said it was a fine effort in showcasing Miri.

About 10 organisations including the Miri Indian Association took part in the cultural event by displaying their ethnic music and dances.

Infrastructure Development and Communication Assistant Minister Lee Kim Shin, Pujut assemblyman Andy Chia, Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok, Miri mayor Datuk Wee Han Wen and Miri Resident Ose Murang were among the thousands of people present.