Miri Targeted As Economic Hub, On Par With Shanghai Through New Port Development
MIRI: Miri City is on track to emerge as a modern, internationally recognised economic hub, with ambitions to rival Shanghai through the implementation of the Miri Port project, which is set to transform the economic and physical landscape of northern Sarawak.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the development of the port will serve as a key catalyst for new economic growth, encompassing the shipping, manufacturing, tourism and integrated commercial development sectors.
According to him, in addition to functioning as a logistics hub and export gateway for products such as palm oil, timber and other emerging commodities, the project also holds the potential to create a new township in the Kuala Baram area through land formation driven by hydraulic flow.
“One of our scientific studies indicates that hydraulic flow will carry sediments and form a landmass that can be developed for industrial manufacturing as well as commercial buildings, ultimately transforming the landscape of Kuala Baram.
“This will eventually become a small township that will attract interest. If we are able to develop this, God willing, Miri will become a city comparable to Shanghai in China,” he said.
He said this while officiating at the opening ceremony of the Sarawakku Sayang Programme 2026 for the Miri Division on Saturday.
He added that the development of a deep-sea port capable of accommodating large vessels, including cruise ships, is expected to generate significant spillover benefits for the tourism sector, in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which emphasises infrastructure-driven and high-value economic growth.
At the same time, the Sarawak Government remains committed to strengthening land connectivity, involving routes linking Miri–Marudi–Mulu as well as Long Panai and Long Lama, including the takeover and upgrading of approximately 2,700 kilometres of logging roads to improve accessibility and stimulate rural economic activity.
“Currently, users are required to get permission to use logging roads, and their condition is not particularly good. These roads span some 2,700 kilometres, and the Sarawak Government will take over and upgrade them.
“This will transform infrastructure in these areas and enhance the economic income of the people,” he explained.
At the same event, the Sarawak Premier also officiated the symbolic presentation of the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), handed over Native Territorial Domain (NTD) documents, and presented offer letters under the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) to 10 students pursuing their studies at Curtin University Malaysia.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Ministers, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
