The seaport in Miri expands access to UNESCO attractions

KUCHING, Oct 18: The near-finished seaport in Miri is expected to open the door for cruise ships to stop at the city, thus facilitating tourists visiting UNESCO destinations in northern Sarawak.

Sarawak Prime Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the port is expected to be completed by next year and potentially become one of the stops for cruise ships operating in the region.

"The port at Miri is now almost complete. By next year, I think it will be ready and cruise ships can also stop at Miri to visit our UNESCO area, Mulu National Park and the Niah National Park Cave Complex", he said.

He said this while addressing the 10th Anniversary Dinner of Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) at UNIFOR Complex, last night.

According to Brother Johari, there is potential for a cruise line from Singapore to Thailand, possibly even expanding to Bali, with the port in Sarawak now having the opportunity to become a stop along the route.

He said the port development was part of efforts to strengthen Sarawak's maritime facilities to support the tourism sector.

He said the facility has the potential to positively impact Miri's economy through opportunities opened by cruise ship tourism activities.

Meanwhile, Johari also touched on the importance of air connectivity in strengthening Sarawak's tourism sector through AirBorneo, which will connect the state with regional partners, especially within ASEAN.

According to him, air-sea connectivity is one of the considerations in Sarawak's development plans for the next decade. - TVS