Miri City on track for green sustainability, says deputy minister

MIRI: Miri is on the right path towards green sustainability, said Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.

Penguang, representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Amar Prof. Sim Kui Hian, shared this view during the opening of the Miri Food Carnival at Miri City Fan on Sunday night.

“I believe that Miri City Council is moving in the right direction. When we talk about going green, it’s more than just avoiding Styrofoam or single-use plastics. We need to be more mindful of our carbon footprint in our day-to-day lives.

“The Sarawak government is on the right track by exploring hydrogen, electric power, and sustainable green energy sources like hydro, cascading dams, and solar,” he said.

He expressed optimism that by 2030 or 2050, Sarawak will contribute significantly to global green initiatives.

The food carnival, which began on Aug 3 and will run until Sept 8, served as a platform for Penguang to address the impact of climate change on local infrastructure.

He highlighted the increasing occurrence of flash floods, which are often blamed on local councils but are primarily driven by climate change.

“No matter how big the drains constructed 10 or 20 years ago, they cannot accommodate the heavy rainfall and precipitation we are experiencing due to climate change. This is a global issue, as seen in recent floods in Quebec, Dubai, Pakistan, Brazil, and North America.

“It’s not that our local authorities aren’t doing their jobs, but we are dealing with phenomena beyond our control,” he said.

Penguang also emphasised Miri’s potential as a gateway to numerous attractions in Sarawak, including the newly enlisted Batu Niah National Park, which has been designated as Sarawak’s second World Heritage Site.

He expressed confidence that Miri’s strategic location as a gateway to Mulu National Park and other destinations like Limbang, Lawas, and Long Lama would enhance its status and prosperity.

The upcoming road connecting Miri to Marudi and Marudi to Kuala Melinau near Mulu National Park is expected to further boost connectivity and tourism.

Present at the event were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Miri City Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang and Deputy Miri Mayor Ariffin Mohammad.