45,000 tourists from Mumbai enter S’wak through Sungai Tujoh ICQS in 2025 — Ting

MIRI (Feb 10): Sarawak recorded a total of 45,000 tourists from Mumbai, India entering the state last year via the Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here, said Datuk Sebastian Ting.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said the state was aiming to double the figure to 90,000 visitors from India this year.

“I was surprised to learn these tourists were entering Sarawak from Brunei via the Sungai Tujoh ICQS. They flew from Mumbai to Brunei, then travelled by bus to Miri and other parts of Sarawak,” he said on Tuesday when launching the Lake Duck Paddle Boat—a new attraction at Bulatan Park here.

Ting said this highlighted the importance of ensuring cities like Miri continue to offer attractive and well-developed destinations for visitors, especially since Miri has become an increasingly popular destination.

“This is through the collective efforts of various parties, including the Miri City Council and corporate bodies such as Shin Yang Group of Companies, through their corporate social responsibility initiatives, and others committed to making Miri a vibrant and attractive city.”

He noted that Bulatan Park, established in the early 1990s, was a pioneering initiative by the local government to promote environmental sustainability and provide much-needed recreational space for Mirians.

“Recognising the vital role of green spaces in enhancing the quality of life in a rapidly developing city, the park has played an important role in serving our community over the years.

“Continuous efforts have been made over the years to improve Bulatan Park—under my Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) in 2020, I allocated RM300,000 for the installation of playground facilities, RM300,000 for outdoor fitness equipment, upgraded lighting, park furniture and improvements to the jogging track, as well as an additional RM400,000 for the extension of the park — totalling RM1 million.

“In 2022, under my RTP, RM600,000 was allocated for the construction of a Velosolutions Pump Track. To date, this track is internationally recognised, and Miri is proud to be the only location in Sarawak with a Velosolutions Pump Track listed in the World Velosolutions Pump Track Registry,” he said.

He added that he also approved a sum of RM100,000 last year for the installation of additional lighting at Bulatan Park.

The Shin Yang Group of Companies, he added, has generously supported the development of the botanical garden, skate park, shaded basketball court and the upcoming Octagon Pavilion.

In addition, Ting said the Sarawak Chinese Association, in collaboration with all ethnic groups in Miri, has constructed a Unity Bridge at the park.

“All these developments have transformed Bulatan Park into more than just a recreational space. It has become a symbol of Miri — representing unity, development and community spirit,” he said.

On the Lake Duck Paddle Boat, Ting said he is confident that Bulatan Park will become even more attractive as a tourism and leisure destination.

“I hope the council will continue to play its role in promoting this park as one of Miri’s highlights for both local residents and foreign visitors,” he said.

Earlier, Miri mayor Adam Yii, who was also present, called on the Lake Duck Paddle Boat operator to ensure stringent safety measures for users.

“The safety of all visitors at this park, especially those using the Duck Paddle Boat, must be prioritised,” he said.