Tourism soars with more private involvement

MIRI: The Sarawak government is welcoming greater involvement from the private sector in elevating its tourism industry.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that one of the sectors the state is promoting under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is tourism and services.

“Thus, the government is committed to putting in place basic and visitor-friendly infrastructure for both local and foreign tourists visiting Sarawak,” he said when officiating at the grand opening ceremony of the Mercure Miri City Hotel today (Dec 16).

Regarding Miri, Abang Johari mentioned the state government’s plans to enhance its infrastructure.

“Niah Cave is currently being registered as a UNESCO site, and we have Mulu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible from Miri.

“By 2030, God willing, the new bridge connecting Miri to Marudi is expected to be completed, facilitating access to Mulu.

“At the same time, we are constructing a road from Marudi to Long Terawan, a project exceeding RM1 billion. Thus, Mulu will be accessible by road up to Long Terawan,” he said.

With these developments, Abang Johari noted that Niah and Mulu, nature-based destinations, can be further promoted to international tourists.

“Then, this is where the hotel comes in, providing accommodation. Through the Mercure chain, while offering a place to stay, you can promote Miri so that people can explore Miri, including Niah, Baram, and Mulu,” he added.

He also highlighted the state government’s commitment to utilising revenue received for diverse developments.

“We work very hard. The 2024 State Budget is the largest ever presented, totalling RM12.3 billion for the state, and we are spending this money on talent development and the tourism sector,” he said.

On another note, he hoped for Miri to be recognised as the next gastronomy city in Sarawak.

“Kuching has been declared a gastronomy city, and I am confident Miri will be another, given our abundant local food that people can enjoy,” he said, also mentioning Miri’s rich flora and fauna.

Also present were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting; Accor Malaysia-Indonesia Senior Vice President of Operations Michel Vivier; and Evolveland Bhd Director Roger Sim.