Forum building in Miri gets 155 new parking bays

MIRI (March 18): The Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak Malaysia (Forum) building at Jalan Padang here now has additional parking bays following the completion of a project on Oct 3 last year.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said the project, which included other associated works costing RM966,896.60, has added 155 new parking bays to the existing 255 bays to cater to increasing demand among users of the building.

He said the new parking bays would enhance convenience for the public, particularly visitors and tenants, while helping to ease congestion and improve traffic flow in the surrounding area.

“The construction of this facility is an important step towards enhancing comfort and convenience for the public, especially visitors and tenants of the building. With more organised and adequate parking spaces, it will also help reduce congestion,” he said at a meeting with the Forum’s committee before the soft launch of the new parking area at the building on Tuesday.

Gerawat, who is also Mulu assemblyman, said the project reflects the government’s continued commitment to upgrading public infrastructure to be more systematic, safe and user-friendly, in line with the needs of a rapidly developing urban area.

He added that the improved facilities are expected to generate positive spillover effects on local economic activities, while enhancing the image of the Forum building as a more conducive and efficient centre.

“The additional parking bays and other upgrading works — including the development of a gallery, improvements to acoustic quality in the main hall and upgrades to the building’s kitchen — were funded under an additional RM5 million allocation from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said.

Also present were Forum president Datuk Nyurak Keti and the Premier’s political secretary Dominic Nyurang Ajang.