MIRI: Plans have been drawn up for more development projects to further enhance Miri as a resort city and benefit its well-being in the coming years.
Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said these include the construction of a cycling track along Jalan Peninsular near Miri golf club; putting up a big Miri signage at Canada Hill; gantry entrance arch at the Sungai Tujoh checkpoint ; build an esplanade at Batu Satu, Kuala Baram and the upgrading of Luak Esplanade.
“In addition to the usual bread and butter business of providing city services, the management of Miri City, Miri City Council (MCC), has also been actively finding ways and means to enhance the Miri economy,” he said at the official launching of the new City Hall building in Marina Bay on Monday (Nov 15).
The RM92million building was declared open by caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Citing an example, Yii said City Council had just signed a Friendly Relations and Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with Weihai City in the Shandong province of China.
“The purpose of the linkup is to promote cultural exchanges, promote tourism, education, business and commerce between the two cities,” he added.
On the City Hall building, Yii described it, as a new iconic building in Miri which will serve as an attraction to tourists, visitors and Mirians alike.
“At Miri City Council, we have already been planning a second phase for Miri City Hall that will be built in the sea and connected to the main Miri City Hall by a bridge,” he disclosed.
He added that the whole concept is based on an offshore production platform, with an oil barrel symbolising the identity of Miri and its origin as an oil town.
“We at Miri City Council are optimistic that with the support and cooperation from all the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) elected representatives , and most importantly the Sarawak government’s support, the future of Miri is looking bright and promising.
“Today’s grand opening of the new Miri City Hall is the best testimony of the confidence and optimism mentioned,” he said.
On the construction of the new City Hall,Yii recalled that the proposal had been raised in 2004 soon after the then Miri Municipal Council had resolved on June 26 that year to submit an application to the authorities in both the State and Federal Governments for the elevation of Miri Municipal Council to Miri City Council.
“Such desire was revealed to the then Chief Minister Pehin Sri Dr Abdul Taib Mahmud, during his visit to Miri Municipal Council on October 6 in 2004 and during the briefing, it was agreed that the shape of the proposed Miri City Hall would resemble an oil barrel – a symbol of Miri’s economic driver and that it would be constructed at a location overlooking the proposed development of Marina Park City,” Yii recalled.
Abdul Taib performed the earth-breaking ceremony for the construction of Miri City Hall in Marina Park City on May 22 in 2010. However, due to funding issues, the project did not take off.
“We were fortunate that on the 13th Anniversary of Miri City Day on July 7, 2018, Abang Johari announced that funding would be provided for the construction of the new Miri City Hall and that Miri City Council would be celebrating its 15th Miri City Day Anniversary at its new Miri City Hall,” he added.
“With Abang Johari’s blessing and support, Miri City Council immediately swung into action. The construction was to be completed in 18 months on Dec 24 in 2020. In the event, the construction was impacted by the Covid- 19 pandemic and eventually it was completed on Oct 18 this year and the Occupational Permit was issued on Oct 21,” Yii said.
There was a delay of 10 months from the original scheduled completion, he said.
“Nevertheless, I am happy to report to Yang Amat Berhormat today that Miri City Council has completed the task within the time frame and within the budget allocated.
“And the nine storey building which various smart features has been accredited with a Green Building Index (GBI) status as well,” he said.
Also present during the official opening were former Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan Hong Nam, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party president Datuk Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and other caretaker cabinet ministers.
