Miri deep-sea port could attract cruise ships, boost visits to Mulu and Niah

A cruise ship and tourists pictured in this file photo for illustration purposes only. Image by Yinan Chen from Pixabay

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 18: Miri could attract more cruise ships and boost tourism to Sarawak’s UNESCO-listed Mulu and Niah attractions once its nearly completed deep-sea port becomes operational, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said cruise tourism presented an opportunity for Sarawak to attract more international visitors, particularly if cruise operators expanded their routes through Southeast Asia to destinations such as Bali, Indonesia.

“You know, Singapore has cruise routes up to Thailand, and there’s a possibility Singapore will go towards Bali. Along the way, there is a possibility they can call at our ports,” he said during the Sarawak Business Federation’s (SBF) 10th Anniversary Dinner at the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex last night.

Abang Johari said Miri’s deep-sea port was nearing completion and could be ready by next year, potentially allowing cruise ships to call at the northern Sarawak city.

He said the port could help promote visits to Mulu and Niah, both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bringing wider economic benefits to Miri through tourism.

“And that definitely has positive impact on the economy in Miri as part of our tourism promotion,” he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak was looking at two avenues for tourism growth — air travel and cruise tourism — with port expansion needed to accommodate cruise ships. — DayakDaily