MIRI: Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang had a preliminary online discussion with Chew Chang Guan, the chief executive officer of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos), about the advancement of trade-tourism relations between Miri and Singapore.
Yii would like to see Miri leverage on Singapore’s international recognition and propel Miri to greater popularity internationally.
In his conversation with Chew, Yii praised Statos’ work in promoting Sarawak products and services in Singapore, yielding tangible results despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said apart from focusing on curbing the spread of Covid-19, he had also been aggressive in planning towards revitalising the local economy.
“We have to plan ahead and be prepared for economic recovery now. In order to achieve this faster, Miri needs to prepare to welcome the rest of the world.”
Referencing Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah’s press release on Aug 25, Yii had also requested Statos’ assistance in promoting Miri as a destination for the Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home Programme (S-MMSH) once direct flights between Singapore and Miri resume.
He also expressed his intention to seek the Sarawak government’s approval to gazette Miri as a special zone for S-MMSH.
He said Miri City Council would set up a special unit to facilitate this initiative, also urging interested private sector parties to submit their proposal for consideration.
Yii mentioned that he had received proposals on setting up specialised villages or themed housing development to cater to specific S-MMSH groups, and so on.
He applauded the Sarawak gvernment’s approach to not follow the stricter criteria for S-MMSH starting October 2021.
“Miri has so much to offer: affordable and good quality landed properties, well established healthcare and education system, economical quality living standard, fine tropical weather protected from natural calamities, and fantastic people.”
