Organise more local events to drive tourism growth, says Lee

MIRI (Aug 5): Rural-urban connectivity has been made easier with the near completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, thus, there is a need to promote places of interests throughout Sarawak to attract tourism, says Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The Transport Minister said due to the improved connectivity, local events ought to be intensified to benefit the local community.

Citing the WAK x Miri event that promotes arts and creativity, he said the event that was originally from Kuching had extended its wings to Sibu and Miri.

“From the tagline ‘What About Miri’, it got us thinking what Miri can offer, and definitely, there are a lot of things that the resort city can offer,” Lee told reporters when visiting the WAK x Miri event at Coco Cabana here Saturday.

“Now that Miri has two world heritage sites – Niah National Park and Mulu National Park – more visitors will be coming here to experience the archaeological sites,” he said.

Aside from the natural uniqueness, Lee expressed his hope to see more young people coming up with new creative ideas on how they could promote Sarawak as a whole.

WAK x Miri festival director Donald Tan said they are hoping to organise the event on a yearly basis here to offer the local artisans, artists, performers, and entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their talents.

“In Kuching, it usually takes place every October; and in June, July or August for Miri and Sibu, depending on the venue availability,” he said, adding that the organiser would inform the creative community in advance so they could send in their proposals and be part of the festival.

“In fact, we have got a very good local Miri partners and they are the ones that will be the pillars here. Similarly, we also have great support from Miri City Council and all ministers.”

The community here, Tan said, had been very supportive of the WAK x Miri event and that more than 20,000 people had turned up at the event that ran from Aug 1 to 4.

Tan also called upon the private sectors to support the local creative community by joining the event.

“Whether you contribute venue, tangible or intangible support, or funding, your contribution goes a long way,” he said.