By Adrian Lim
MIRI, April 12: The Greater Miri Development Master Plan (2021-2030) will position Miri city as an economic hub that will provide supporting services to the hinterland.
Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said Miri city could enjoy greater economic development with the Greater Miri Development Master Plan from 2021-2030.
He added Miri aims to be a smart and sustainable city with the use of information, communication and technology (ICT) to enhance the quality of life for Mirians.
Hence, he said the elected representatives of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) held a two-day Lab on the Greater Miri Development Plan 2021-2030 in Dec 1 and 2 last year to discuss the development projects that are needed to be implemented.
“The Greater Miri wil position Miri city as the economic hub for Miri Division where it will provide the necessary supporting services, infrastructure, facilities, amenities and market to support the hinterland.
“Miri city’s sustainable growth and development will need to have good infrastructure and ICT connectivity and linkages to its hinterland namely Baram, Telang Usan, Beluru and Subis districts,” he said during the launching of the Miri Smart City programme at Imperial Hotel here today.
The Miri Smart City programme was launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Adding on, Lee disclosed that the participants of the Lab include representatives from the Sarawak Economy Planning Unit (EPU), various ministries departments and agencies which have provided relevant inputs for the economic development of Miri.
He said the Lab acknowledged that Miri Division has a diversified economy with vast economic potentials such as oil and gas, ship building, timber-related industry, oil palm plantation and commercial agriculture, fisheries, education and tourism.
In the meantime, Lee who is also Senadin assemblyman said the Greater Miri Development Master Plan will be presented to Abang Johari at the launching of the Miri Smart City programme.
In the Smart City programme, there were various initiatives such as closed circuit television (CCTV) installed at strategic locations in Miri to monitor traffic flow and safety of the citizens.
Another initiative is the smart buses which provide passengers with real time tracking of bus schedules.
The other initiatives include the smart garbage truck which is a tracking app to ensure residents know the time the sanitary trucks arrive for collection of garbage and digital signages which provides Miri residents and tourists with the latest news and updates.
Hence, he urged Mirians to look after the projects that are implemented under the Smart City initiatives because those assets are public properties and belong to all the people.
“Please work together to ensure that they are not vandalised,” he added.
Among those who were present at the launching of the Miri Smart City event were Abang Johari, Minister for Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, Deputy State Secretary (Socio-economy Transformation) Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Mulu assemblyman Dato Gerawat Gala, Miri mayor Adam Yii and community leaders. — DayakDaily
