Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii envisions seeing Miri Port return to its former glory as the main hub for oil and gas activities.
In the 1980s, Miri Port functioned as the primary hub for offshore oil and gas industries and supply bases, leading to flourishing businesses and prosperity in Miri.
“Ports are extremely important as connectivity to the global in any kinds of economic activities. It is indeed the catalyst for economic developments,” he stressed in his speech during the debate on the 2024 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Wednesday (Nov 22).
He expressed his appreciation for the RM83mil allocation under the 2024 State Budget for the development of ports and maintenance dredging grants.
In addition, he thanked the Premier for allocating RM5mil for the implementation of smart buses in Miri City.
“With the return of the Shell Malaysia Upstream Headquarters to Miri Time Square in 2024, we anticipate much heavier traffic within the central business district (CBD) of Miri City.
“Hopefully, with the implementation of smart buses, we would be able to disperse the traffic entering CBD by encouraging the public to take the buses instead.”
Miri, known as a resort city, faced an unfortunate development with the cessation of direct flights between Miri and Singapore by AirAsia.
Yii urged the Transport Ministry Sarawak and Transport Ministry Malaysia to ensure adequate direct flights between Miri and Singapore, catering to the demands of the oil and gas industries and the tourism sector.
Moreover, he highlighted that the flight route is the only international link for Miri. “I also look forward to the coming of Sarawak’s own airline as soon as possible. Only then we may be better served as far as our tourism development aspiration is concerned.
“This is also to ensure reasonable air ticket prices at all times, especially during school holidays and festive seasons,” he added.
