Miri Gong Xi Bazaar 2024: Largest yet with 330 stalls and dazzling cultural extravaganza

Yii (seated, centre) with this year's Miri Gong Xi Bazaar organising committee after a press conference on Jan 19, 2024.

MIRI, Jan 19: The Miri Gong Xi Bazaar, an annual event organised by the Miri City Council (MCC) and Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is set to make a grand return this year, with a whopping 330 stalls.

Scheduled to take place from Feb 2 to 9 along the High Street and Jalan Kingsway, this eight-day extravaganza promises a remarkable experience for visitors.

Miri Mayor Adam Yii highlighted the diverse offerings, including cultural performances featuring traditional dances and live shows by local artists and 26 organisations, apart from a wide array of food and products on sale.

“Similar to previous years, 40 per cent of the available stalls are reserved for Bumiputera traders, and all the Bumi stalls have already been taken up.

“This initiative not only promotes inclusivity and diversity, but also enriches the Chinese New Year bazaar experience for the public by offering a diverse array of food options that reflect the various culinary traditions of our community,” he said in a press conference today.

For added comfort, tables and chairs will be arranged along Jalan Kingsway for the public to enjoy their meals.

Yii encouraged patrons to clear their own tables after meals so as to maintain cleanliness of the areas as well as ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.

Preparations for the 2024 edition are well underway, with the working committee, consisting of representatives from the Council, Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, police, Public Works Department (JKR), Sarawak Energy, Miri Red Crescent, Borneo Parking System, and Malaysia Volunteers Corps Department (Rela), holding key meetings.

Throughout the bazaar period, the public are reminded that Jalan Kingsway will be closed from 5pm to 12am.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony on Feb 3.

Exciting highlights of the programme include a Chinese New Year Run 2.0 on Feb 2 to be flagged off by Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, the Cheongsam Queen competition on Feb 7, and the presentation of the Best Stall Award. — DayakDaily