By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, July 23: It was not just a coincidence that Miri was chosen to host this year’s Sarawak Day celebration, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said that instead, it was to commemorate Miri’s significant contribution to the overall development of Sarawak, particularly in the oil and gas industry, as this is where oil and gas were first discovered and developed in 1910 by Shell.
“Therefore, it is undeniable that the oil and gas industry in the country began in Sarawak—specifically here in Miri—and Miri has since grown into an important city within the framework of Sarawak’s economic development since the Brooke and British eras,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the 2025 Sarawak Day Assembly in Miri on Tuesday (July 22).
Abang Johari elaborated that following the emergence of the oil and gas mining industry in Miri, the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO 1958) was enacted by the British in 1958 to ensure that Sarawak’s oil resources would be exploited in an orderly manner.
“The OMO 1958 has never been repealed and remains in effect after the formation of Malaysia, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Currently, Sarawak contributes a substantial share to the nation’s revenue—amounting to nearly ten per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—and ranks among the top three contributors among all states.
“In light of all these developments, the selection of Miri as the celebration hub for this year’s Sarawak Day is highly appropriate, recognising Miri’s role as one of the catalysts for the economic development of both Sarawak and the nation,” he said.
Sarawak governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and federal and State ministers and deputy ministers were among those present at the event. — DayakDaily
