MIRI: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced a fare-free non-stop bus service in Miri.
By offering complimentary bus services, he said, it would attract more tourists to the city.
“Previously, the bus fare was RM1, but now we provide the Miri non-stop bus service free of charge. This will increase the mobility of the people in Miri, and the government will bear the cost.
“Once you have free mobility, tourists also enjoy free transportation. This means we can attract tourists to Miri. So, my ‘ang pau’ is the provision of free non-stop bus services,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in his speech during the Chinese New Year Dinner organised by SUPP Miri-Sibuti Parliamentary Liaison Committee at a hotel here on Monday (Feb 12).
He said the Sarawak government will also continue efforts to develop Miri into a smart city by providing a variety of basic infrastructure to make the city a hub in the northern region.
On development in Miri, he said the construction of a road connecting Miri, Marudi, Mulu and Long Terawan is expected to commence next year, with the road route plan being agreed.
Upon completion, he said, the road will shorten the journey from Miri to Long Terawan by about an hour and a half.
According to him, the road will connect Mulu to the Gunung Buda area in Limbang.
“In other words, all the roads are connected. Hopefully we can start it (construction) next year because this year the Public Works Department (JKR) is still doing the tender process. We are all responsible for this.”
In addition, he said, Niah will also be developed with basic infrastructure to raise the value of tourism there.
A dossier was submitted to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to make Niah National Park a World Heritage Site.
Abang Johari said Miri will have its own convention centre, adding that the site of the centre has been identified and construction is expected to start next year.
“This convention centre is almost the same size as the convention center in Kuching.
Therefore, many people will come to Miri to hold meeting events here,” he added.
