KUCHING: Miri is set to gain a new iconic landmark with the approval of a cable-stayed bridge connecting Piasau Nature Reserve to the Marina Bay and Commercial Centre.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government has given the green light for the construction of the bridge, similar to the Golden Gate Bridge – a suspension bridge in San Francisco.
“It will be a significant tourist attraction as well; if Kuching has the renowned Darul Hana Bridge in Kuching (as a tourist attraction), Miri will have this cable-stayed bridge.
“I don’t have a name for it yet, but we will proceed and build it first,” he said during the Miri Malay Welfare Trust Board’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri dinner at a hotel in Miri on Monday night.
Abang Johari also said the Sarawak government will build a road from Marudi to Long Terawan and Mulu National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Area, next year, adding that the road will also connect to another road, which will go all the way up to Limbang.
“In addition, we have sent our submission to UNESCO to declare Niah National Park and hopefully it will declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Area as well. The process is entering its final stage now,” he added.
All these developments, he said, coupled with the anticipated official takeover of MASWings Sdn Bhd as the state’s own airline early next year, will ultimately boost Miri’s tourism.
Also present at the event were the Yang Di-pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Senate President Datuk Mutang Tagal, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and his wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin and Miri Malay Welfare Trust Board chairman Datuk Abdullah Abdul Rahim.
