Miri

For other uses, see Miri (disambiguation).

This article is about a city in Sarawak, Malaysia. For the administrative district, see Miri District. For the administrative division, see Miri Division.

Miri
City
Chinese transcription(s)
• Simplified	美里
Miri City Council
Nickname(s):  "Resort City", "Oil Town"
Motto(s):  Progress with the society (Malay: Maju bersama masyarakat)
Country	Malaysia
State	Sarawak
Division	Miri Division
District	Miri District
Founded by Royal Dutch Shell	10 August 1910
Municipality	6 November 1981
Granted city status	20 May 2005
Government
• Type	Miri City Council
• Mayor	Lawrence Lai Yew Son
Area
• Miri City	997.43 km2 (385.11 sq mi)
Elevation	17 m (56 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2010)
• Miri City	234,541
• Density	235.15/km2 (609.0/sq mi)
Demonym	Mirian
Time zone	UTC+8 (MST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+8 (Not observed)
Postal code	98xxx
International dialling code prefix	+6085 (landline only)
Vehicle registration plate prefix	QM (for all vehicles except taxis) HQ (for taxis only)
Website	www.miricouncil.gov.my

Miri /ˈmɪriː/ is a coastal city in northeastern Sarawak, Malaysia, located near the border of Brunei, on the island of Borneo. The city covers an area of 997.43 square kilometres (385.11 sq mi), located 798 kilometres (496 mi) northeast of Kuching and 329 kilometres (204 mi) southwest of Kota Kinabalu. Miri is the second largest city in Sarawak, with a population of 234,541. The city is also the capital of Miri District of the Miri Division.

Miri is the main tourist gateway to Gunung Mulu National Park, Loagan Bunut National Park, Lambir National Park, Niah National Park and Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park. The Gunung Mulu National Park with its Sarawak Chamber is one of the favourite eco-tourism destinations.

Miri is the birthplace of Sarawak's and Malaysia's petroleum industry, which remains the major industry of the city. The city's other major industries include processed timber, oil palm production and tourism.

Etymology

Name of the city "Miri" was originally derived from a group of indigenous people named Mirek, living at the immediate vicinity of the Miri town, consisting of about 2,500 people. Today, this group of people is known to be part of the Sarawak Malays. Mirek people originally stayed at Miri River (Likk Mirek), Padang Likku, and Sungai Taniku area. They were later forced to the coastal area due to territorial expansion by Kayan people. The Mirek people came into contact with Bruneian Malay people and inter-marriage gradually caused the group to convert into Islamic religion and adopted the Malay way of life at 150 to 180 years ago.

Prehistory

Main article: Prehistoric Malaysia

The first forages visited the West Mouth of Niah Cave (located 110 km southwest of Miri city) 50,000 years ago when Borneo was connected to the mainland of South East Asia. The landscapes of of the Niah Cave was drier and more open than the present-day Niah Cave. Prehistoric Niah Cave was surrounded by a mosaic of closed forests with bush, parkland, swamps, and rivers. The foragers were able to survive in the rainforests through hunting, fishing, mollusc collection, and plant gathering. The earliest evidence of human population in the area dates back to 40,000 BC in Niah Cave at Paleolithic period. This is evidenced by the discovery of Homo sapiens skull nicknamed "Deep Skull" in a deep trench uncovered by Tom Harrisson in 1958. This is the oldest modern human skull in South East Asia. This skull probably belongs to a 16-17 years old adolescent girl. Unfossilised Manis paleojavanica (Asian giant pangolin) bone dated back to 30,000 BC was also found at the proximity of the "Deep Skull". Late Mesolithic and Neolithic burial sites were also found at the Niah Caves.

History

Brooke administration

Charles Hose advocated Miri oil exploration to Royal Dutch Shell.

Miri Well No. 1 in 1910.

Miri street view in 1925.

The Miri British Residency Building which was used as Japanese headquarters during their occupation in Miri.

Charles Brooke succeeded James Brooke as the new Rajah of Sarawak in 1868. By 1883, Sultan of Brunei (Sultan Abdul Momin) ceded the Baram region (including Miri) to Charles Brooke. Fourth division of Sarawak was immediately created with the installation of Claude Champion de Crespigny as the first Resident of the Division. The Miri area was still a fishing village at that time. It was a small settlement surrounded by mangrove and Nipah palm jungles consisted of 20 scattered houses, a few wooden shops operated by Chinese traders and a lone Arab trader. A fort was built in Claudetown (present day Marudi, 43 km to the east of Miri) in 1883. Claudetown became the administrative centre of the division. Mr Claude's administration was helped by two junior officers, 30 rangers, and a few native police. Charles Hose succeeded Mr Claude as the new Resident in 1891 and the fort in Marudi was renamed as "Fort Hose". To restore peace among various ethnic tribes fighting in the Baram region, Charles Hose decided to organise a peace conference at his fort in April 1899. This peace conference also led to the birth of first Baram Regatta which is a long boat race competition among the natives. The Baram Regatta continued to be held today.

The local population in Miri has indeed started to extract oil from hand-dug wells for centuries. Song Huiyao Jigao, a documentation on Song dynasty of China, has mentioned about the imports of Borneo Camphor and petroleum in 11th century. In 1882, Mr Claude reported to the Brooke government on 18 hand-dug oil wells in the Miri area. He also recommended that area near Miri River should be thoroughly explored. However, his recommendations fell on deaf ears. Charles Hose was interested in Mr Claude's idea after he took over the Resident office in 1891. He began to map oil seeps around Miri area. However, a consultant geologist from England discouraged an oil exploration in Miri due to poor logistical conditions. After his retirement from administrative positions in Sarawak, Charles Hose went back to England. He later went to London to discuss his idea of oil exploration in Miri with Anglo-Saxon Petroleum company (later became a part of Royal Dutch Shell company in 1907). Mr. H.N. Benjamin, a branch manager from the Petroleum company was interested in this idea. Finally in 1909, Rajah Charles Brooke came to London to sign the first Sarawak Oil Mining Lease. Royal Dutch Shell dispatched a senior geologist named Josef Theodor Erb together with Charles Hose back to Miri. Mr Erb started to map Miri oil fields from August 1909 to July 1910. He also identified a "Miri Hill" (now known as "Canada Hill", 150 m above sea level) which is suitable to act as an Anticline for oil drilling.

Finally, on 10 August 1910, first oil drilling operation was started. A 30-metres high rig (nicknamed the "Grand Old Lady") made up of wooden derricks and cable tool drilling was used in the operation by Royal Dutch Shell. On 22 December 1910, oil was struck after 130 metres of drilling at the well. Royal Dutch Shell also founded a subsidiary company named Sarawak Oil Field Ltd, which operated today as Sarawak Shell Berhad. Since then, another 624 land wells has been drilled around Miri until 1972 which is collectively known as "Miri field". Miri field is the only onshore field in Sarawak. It is because oil production has been shifted to offshore since the late 1950s. The first oil well on Canada Hill (Miri Well No 1) produced a total of 0.65 million oil barrels for the next 60 years until its closure on 31 October 1972. The first oil refinery and submarine pipeline was built in Miri in 1914. The oil refinery has since been relocated to Lutong (11km to the north of Miri) in 1916.

Miri Resident Office moved from Marudi to Miri in 1912. The Miri town grew as fast the rate of oil production by the Shell company. In 1920, roads were built in Miri. Bicycles and motorcycles were also bought into the town. By 1921, there were 40 shop houses in Miri, with one English school and one Chinese school. Motor cars were later introduced to the town. In 1924, Pujut Road was built linking Miri to Lutong. By 1925, rotary drilling was introduced. Oil production continued to increase until it reached a peak of 15,211 barrels per day in 1929. Water supply were improved, jungles were cleared, and more roads were built. Miri became the administrative centre of the entire Baram region in 1929.

Japanese occupation

Main article: Japanese occupation of British Borneo

The Brooke government destroyed Lutong oil refinery and storage facilities before the arrival of the Japanese.

Damaged oil refinery installations at Lutong in 1945 due to Allied bombings.

Impact from Allied bombardment on the town.

The Brooke government has been actively lobbying for the British government to accept Sarawak as one of its protectorate in an event of a war. By 1888, the British finally agreed to grant the protection to Sarawak. British dispatch several troops to Sarawak to strengthen its defences in 1930s. By 1938, under the leadership of Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke, airstrips were constructed in Miri, Kuching, Oya, and Mukah in preparation of an imminent war. However, by 1941, British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force had withdrawn from Sarawak and returned to Singapore. Therefore, the British government advocated the Brooke government a "scorched earth policy" in an event of a Japanese attack. A Denial Scheme was formulated to destroy oil installations in Miri and Lutong. This was because the coastline measuring 30 miles from Lutong to Miri was impossible to defend from Japanese landings due to shortage of manpower. By May 1941, 1 Infantry Company from 2/15 Punjab Regiment, 6-inch Hong Kong-Singapore Royal Artillery Battery, and 1 Platoon of Royal Engineers were stationed at Miri to oversee the destruction of the Miri oil fields. In August 1941, an operation was carried out to reduce Miri oil output by 70%.

Soon after the news of Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, Japanese planes were seen making reconnaissance flights over Miri. The Brooke government decided on a complete destruction of oilfields and airfields in Miri. Shell company officials received orders to carry out the Denial Scheme on 8 December 1941. In the evening on the same day, the task was completed. All producing oil wells were sealed up with vital equipments and machinery dismantled and shipped off to Singapore. Skilled workers and important company papers also went along with the equipments and sent to Singapore. The Punjab Regiment and several officials were sent to unoccupied Kuching. On 16 December 1941, 9 days after the Pearl Harbour bombing, Japanese troops consisting of 10,000 men landed on Tanjung Lobang Beach, Miri without any fierce resistance. However, on 19 December 1941, a Dutch flying boat from Tarakan Island attacked the Japanese destroyer Shinonome (under the command of Hiroshi Sasagawa) off Miri. The ship was sunk along with her entire crew of 228. Another flying boat X-33 also damaged a Japanese transport ship. After the fall of Singapore on 15 January 1942, skilled workers and equipments that went into hiding were sent back to Miri by the Japanese. They were immediately put into work for Japanese Oil Supply Service company named Nen Ryo Hai Kyu. Much of the Japanese oil drilling and refinery equipments were portable. A total of 0.75 million barrels were produced during the Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945.

During the occupation, Miri and Lutong was the subject of Allied air raids and bombings. Food, clothes, and medicine were scarce. Workers of the Japanese Oil Supply Service were made to construct and maintain Lutong Bridge and Lutong airstrip from Allied bombings.

Recent developments

Petronas, a Malaysian national oil and gas company was formed in 1974. As a result, a concession system was changed into production sharing contract system (PSC) between Shell and Petronas. The first two PSCs were signed on 30 November 1976. Petronas formed a company named Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd which directly involved in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas in the country. Petronas also initiated Baram Delta Gas Gathering (Bardegg) project which involves in the collection and compression of gas from five fields namely Betty, Bekor, Baram, Baronia, and West Lutong, located 10 km to 45 km offshore from the Miri city. This is to ensure the minimisation of gas loss during oil production. The two parties signed another PSC for Baram Delta in September 2003. Through this partnership, Petronas gained from Shell's strength of worldwide experiences and state-of-the-art technologies while Shell benefited from Petronas's in-depth knowledge of the Malay oil basin. Such partnership also resulted in techology transfer to the locals which is helpful in creating a pool of local talents. Petronas and Shell are also involved in educational outreach activities such as awarding scholarships to deserving students, Shell’s Project LINK, and Petronas’ Adopt-a-School Programme. Both companies are also involved in Malaysian first rig-to-reef project, in an effort to preserve bio-marine life in the sea offshore Miri. In this project, an abandoned offshore platform was made to become part of the Siwa reef.

Miri was elevated to city status on 20 May 2005 and become Malaysian tenth city. Miri is also the first town in Malaysia which is not a state capital to be granted city status. Miri City Day which will be celebrated on 20 May every year was declared. A time capsule containing news article of the day and a souvenir book was buried at Petroleum Science Museum at Canada Hill, Miri. The time capsule will be opened 100 years later on 20 May 2105. An effort has also been made to develop Miri as liveable resort city.

Governance

Miri City currently elects one member of parliament from the Miri parliamentary seat (P.219) into Parliament of Malaysia. The city also elects 3 state assemblymen into Sarawak State Legislative Assembly namely Piasau, Pujut, and Senandin.

Local authority and city definition

Miri was formerly administered by Miri Municipal Council for 24 years. It was upgraded to Miri City Council (MCC) on 20 May 2005, with Lawrence Lai Yew Son as its current Mayor, headquartered at Jalan Raja, Miri. Area under the jurisdiction of MCC is 977.43 km². Miri city lies within the boundary of Miri District, which consisted of the Miri City, Sibuti sub-district, and Niah sub-district, with a total population of 290,274 and total area of 4,707 km². Miri Resident Office and Miri District Office are located at Jalan Kingsway, Miri City.

Geography

Miri City as seen from satellite image.

Weather radar station on Canada Hill in Miri

Miri is situated on the alluvial plain of the Baram River on the western shore of northern Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Locally the Baram River is called the Miri River. Because of the prevailing southerly off-shore current, beach drift has built up the Jalan Peninsula as a barrier beach between the Miri River and the shore causing a "Yazoo effect" where the river runs parallel to the coast before breaking through into the South China Sea. The city is predominately located on the inland (east) side of the Miri River with only a few scattered residential neighbourhoods, a Golf Club and a small airstrip on the Jalan Peninsula.

Climate

Miri has a tropical rainforest climate. There are two monsoon seasons: the southwest monsoon, which is the dry season from April to September and the northeast monsoon, which is the wet season from October to March. The annual rainfall is around 250 to 380 cm (100 to 150 inches). The air temperature is between 23 to 32 °C (74 to 90 °F) the whole year round. But in rare occasions, temperature can reach down to 18 °C to 16 °C especially in the month of November, December and January. Lowest ever recorded is in December 2010 where temperature dropped down to 11 °C.

Climate data for Miri (1971–2000)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	29.9 (85.8)	30.2 (86.4)	30.9 (87.6)	31.3 (88.3)	31.6 (88.9)	31.5 (88.7)	31.2 (88.2)	31.3 (88.3)	31.0 (87.8)	30.7 (87.3)	30.5 (86.9)	30.3 (86.5)	30.9 (87.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	23.1 (73.6)	23.2 (73.8)	23.5 (74.3)	23.8 (74.8)	23.9 (75.0)	23.6 (74.5)	23.3 (73.9)	23.4 (74.1)	23.4 (74.1)	23.4 (74.1)	23.3 (73.9)	23.3 (73.9)	23.4 (74.1)
Average rainfall mm (inches)	240.5 (9.47)	160.5 (6.32)	134.4 (5.29)	177.9 (7.00)	193.7 (7.63)	204.9 (8.07)	179.4 (7.06)	210.9 (8.30)	249.5 (9.82)	317.2 (12.49)	295.5 (11.63)	349.2 (13.75)	2,713.6 (106.83)
Average rainy days (≥ 1.0 mm)	14	10	9	12	13	12	11	12	14	17	17	18	159
Mean monthly sunshine hours	170.3	172.1	201.8	216.5	220.0	205.6	213.3	202.3	184.6	184.4	189.0	185.4	2,345.3
Source 1: World Meteorological Organisation
Source 2: NOAA (sun, 1961–1990)

Demographics

Ethnicity

According to 2010 Malaysian census, Miri City has a total population of 234,541. Indigenous people forms the largest ethnic group in the city (143,736, 61.3%) which consisted of Iban (61,273), Malay (46,723), Melanau (8,313), Bidayuh (3,308), and other indigenous tribes (24,119). This is followed by Chinese (75,329, 32.1%), Indians (980, 0.43%), and non-Malaysians (13,362, 5.7%). The Malay people here consists mainly of Mirek, Dalik, Berawan, and Bakong people. Miri has 19 out of 27 Sarawak ethnic groups, including Kedayan, Lun Bawang, Kayan, Kenyah, and Kelabit people. Chinese in Miri mainly consisting of Hakka, Cantonese, and a small number of Teochews and Hainanese.

Languages

Mandarin, English, and Malay languages are widely spoken here. Respective ethnic groups also speak their own dialects.

Religion

There are several religions in Miri including Taoism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Bahá'í Faith. Among the Christianity beliefs, there are Borneo Evangelical Church, Anglicanism, Roman Catholic, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Respective religious groups are free to hold processions in Miri city.

Economy

Sarawak Shell Berhad

Miri mainly relies on its oil and gas industry, which contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Sarawak. Sarawak Shell Berhad (upstream business) and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd have their offices based in Miri. Other multinational oil and gas companies also set up their offices here, including Nippon Oil, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Technip, Ranhill WorleyParsons, and Petra Resources Sdn Bhd. In 1989, Asam Paya Oilfield was discovered in Sarawak inland areas. In 2010, Petronas discovered two oil fields offshore between Bintulu and Miri. In 2011, new underground reserves of oil and gas deposits was discovered by Nippon Oil in inland region near Miri, Sarawak.

Besides, shipbuilding companies such as Sealink Shipyard, Shin Yang Shipping & Shipyard, Berjaya Dockyard, and Sarawak Slipways have their major shipyards set up in Miri - Kuala Baram industrial area along the Baram river.

Tourism is seen as another important focus of the economy. Miri is a shopping destination for the neighbouring country of Brunei Darussalam, as well as nearby smaller towns like Bintulu and Limbang. Moreover, Miri has a diverse ecology and myriad flora and fauna species with four national parks and a marine national park are all located near Miri. Thus, it is often seen as a hub for ecotourism and a draw for nature enthusiasts.

Transportation

Land
Miri is accessible by road from Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) through the Sungai Tujuh checkpoint. It is connected to all major cities and towns in Sarawak and Sabah through the Pan Borneo Highway or the coastal road.

Air
Miri Airport (IATA: MYY, ICAO: WBGR) has the capacity to handle two million passengers annually. It is one of Malaysia's top five busiest airports. The airport, located close to the border of Brunei Darussalam, is an important gateway to the Northern Region of Sarawak and serves as a hub for interior air services. Miri Airport is the third busiest airport in Malaysia, in terms of aircraft movements and the fifth busiest in terms of passengers handled. Miri Airport receives flights from domestic destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Kuching and many other towns throughout Sarawak. It also has direct international air link to Singapore via AirAsia. Miri Airport is a major hub for the regional airline, MASwings to provide connecting flights to isolated communities in the interior. MASwings has its head office at Jalan Airport in Miri.

Water
Miri Port Authority is an important feeder port that links Sarawak's Northern Region's trade to the rest of the world. It is a key player in the development of trade for not only Sarawak's economy but also Malaysia as a whole.

Attractions and Recreation Spots

Miri is often called the northern gateway to Sarawak and is one of the state's most important tourist attractions. It is surrounded by five world-class national parks: Mount Mulu, Niah, Lambir Hills, Loagan Bunut and Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park.

National Parks

Gunung Mulu National Park
The Gunung Mulu National Park is a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts the world's largest natural cave chamber, the Sarawak Chamber. The National Park encompasses caves and karst formations in a mountainous equatorial rainforest setting. The park is famous for its caves and the expeditions that have been mounted to explore them and their surrounding rainforest, most notably the Royal Geographical Society Expedition of 1977–1978, which saw over 100 scientists in the field for 15 months. This initiated a series of over 20 expeditions now drawn together as the Mulu Caves Project. The national park is named after Mount Mulu, the second highest mountain in Sarawak.

Niah National Park
Niah Caves in Niah National Park is an important archaeological and historical site, as one of the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia was found here. The cave is an important prehistorical site where human remains dating to 40,000 years have been found. This is the oldest recorded human settlement in east Malaysia. The caves are also well known for the birds' nest (Swiftlet) industry. It is a popular tourist destination in Sarawak.

Lambir Hills National Park
Lambir Hills National Park is located 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of Miri It contains very diverse species of flora and fauna and is ranked as the 12th mega-biodiverse site in the world. The park has Sarawak's largest natural lake. There is also the recently gazetted Miri-Sibuti Marine National Park, which has coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Loagan Bunut National Park
Loagan Bunut National Park is a national park located 130 km from Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, on the Borneo island. The park was named after the Loagan Bunut lake nearby, which is connected to Sungai Bunut (sungai is Malay for river), Sungai Baram and Sungai Tinjar. This park occupies a space of 100 km2 (39 sq mi) and is well known for its rich biodiversity and unique aquatic ecosystem. The national park was gazetted on 1 January 1990 and it was opened to public on 29 August 1991.

Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park
The Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park in the clear waters off Miri's coast are an exciting and accessible diving destination. It is one of Malaysia’s most recently discovered diving locations and the largest offshore national park created in the state of Sarawak. The marine national park covering an area of 186,930ha, have more than 28 reefs between Miri and Sibuti area. The depths ranging from 7 to 30 metres has an average visibility of 10 to 30 metres. There are also some interesting wreck dives. The best time to dive is from late March through November each year. The diversity and accessibility of corals and other marine life on the reefs is amongst the best in the region. Popular diving sites includes Luconia Area, Anemone Garden, Grouper Patch Reef, Atago Maru Wreck and Seafan Garden

Museums

Grand Old Lady at the Petroleum Museum

Plaque describing the characteristics of Grand Old Lady

Petroleum Museum
Miri opened a petroleum museum to preserve the city's roots as an oil and gas city. Being the first oil well in Malaysia, the Grand Old Lady was built in 1910. The Petroleum Museum was built at the site of "The Grand Old Lady", Miri's first producing rig and is situated at Canada Hill with a view of Miri and the coast. With the support from Petronas and Shell Malaysia, an ‘Earth Breaking Ceremony' was formally done by YB Tan Sri Dr. George Chan on 25 April 2003. The concept of the Museum is interactive-oriented which enable visitors to interact with the advanced devices. Visitors may also enjoy the exhibitions and view the entire artefact displayed.

Niah Archaeology Museum
Niah Archaeology Museum is situated close to the archaeology sites of the Niah Cave, in Miri Division. Niah Cave in Niah National Park is an important prehistorical site where human remains dating to 40,000 years have been found. This Museum exhibits the pre-historical artefacts and culture of the area. The public are also able to see the display of the way of life of the people which inhabited Niah Cave thousands of years ago.

Baram Regional Museum
The Baram Regional Museum was officially opened in 1997. It is housed at Fort Hose, which stands on the top of the hill overlooking the Baram River. The Fort was built in 1898 and was burnt down in 1994. It was rebuilt on the exact site according to its original design and architecture and later on upon its completion it was declared officially as a museum. The exhibits in this Museum comprise historical and cultural artefacts belonging to the various ethnic groups living in the area. Also on display are their economic and other general activities.

Beaches and Parks

Miri, being close to the sea, boasts some spectacular beaches

Taman Awam Miri

Tanjong Lobang Beach (Taman Selera)
Miri City's first recreational park and it is very popular with the locals. About 10 minutes drive from the City centre. The open-air seafood centre allows you to enjoy excellent seafood cooked the way you like.

Luak Esplanade Beach

Hawaii Beach

Bungai Beach
Situated near Kampung Bungai in Bekenu, the beach is about 1 hour drive from Miri.

Marina Bay

Lutong Beach

Miri Bulatan Park

Taman Awam Miri (English: Miri Public Park)

Miri City Fan
A 10.4-hectare (26-acre) park in the heart of the city.

Taman Bunga

Shopping

• Bintang Megamall
• Boulevard Shopping Complex
• The Imperial Mall
• E-Mart
• Merdeka Mall
• Miri Plaza(Servay Hypermarket)
• MYY Mall
• Ng Sian Hup
• Permy Mall
• Soon Hup Shopping Complex
• Wisma Pelita Tunku
• Permaisuri Imperial City Mall
• Senadin Hypermall & Water Theme Park (Under construction)
• Senadin Gateway Hypermall (Under construction)
• E-Mart Riam (Under construction)
• Sheraton Mall (Plan/Project)
• Marina Shopping Complex (Plan/Project)

Other Attractions

Miri Crocodile Farm(http://www.miricrocodilefarm.com)
The crocodile farm opens everyday of the year, is home to thousands of crocodiles of different species as well as other exotic animals from tropical countries. It is the first and the largest crocodile farm in the northern region of Sarawak. The crocodile farm cum mini zoo is registered and recognised by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, Registration No. A-MY-509).

Miri Central Market
Miri Central Market (also known as Miri Open Air Market) located at the centre of Miri Old Town, offers a wide choices of local food whose recipes which have been passed on for generations. Popular local delicacies such as "Miri curry rice" , "Open air kolo mee" , chicken porridge and fried kway teow can be found here.

Saberkas Weekend Market
Located at Sarbekas Commercial Center, this weekend night market opens in the late afternoon every Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. There are over 170 stalls in the Saberkas Weekend Market which sell vegetables, fruits, sea products, drinks, satay, grilled fish, BBQ chicken wings and other products such as local handicrafts, clothes as well as used magazines at reasonable prices.

Miri Handicraft Centre

Events and Festivals

Borneo Jazz Festival (http://jazzborneo.com/)
The Borneo Jazz Festival was mooted in 2006 with the vision of being the leading tourism-driven music festival in the region as well as to increase visitor arrivals to Miri and the northern region in Sarawak. As such, it is aimed to give visitors a fun-filled and entertaining experience while at the same time showcasing Miri's cosmopolitan characteristics. Jazz lovers around the world would definitely have a great time enjoying renowned jazz performances by international jazz artistes.

Asia Music Festival (http://asiamusicfestival.net/)
Organized by Sarawak Tourism Board, supported by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and endorsed by Tourism Malaysia. The Asia Music Festival (AMF) is a 2-day musical event featuring artistes and musicians from Asian countries namely from India, Korea, Indonesia, Brunei Philippines and Malaysia. AMF promotes music, art and culture of Asian countries and has a vision to become the iconic musical event for Sarawak and the region. This festival promises the most electrifying eclectic mix of live music on stage comprising bands from the Asian region.

Miri Country Music Fest (http://miricountrymusic.com/)
Held for the first time, the festival is supported by Parkcity Everly Hotel, the US Embassy, Planet Borneo Travel and Tours Services, Sarawak Tourism Board and Curtin University Sarawak. It is also endorsed by Miri City Council. It is the first ever country music festival in the region. Various interesting programmes had been lined up for the music fest and this include the country music concert, games and competition for adults and children, line-dance and drum workshops, country music workshops and food stalls.

Miri May Fest
Various entertainment programmes, promotions sales, sport, cultural, recreational, social activities which are organised by various government agencies, NGOs, social clubs and commercial houses at various locations in Miri throughout the month of May under the banner of Miri May Fest. Miri City Council has obtained various records in Malaysia Book of Records for this celebration.

Miri City Day Celebration
This event is to celebrate the date Miri attained city status. It has been celebrated since 2005.

Gong Xi Fa Cai Bazaar
An annual bazaar selling all kind of goods and products for the Chinese New Year celebration. The open air bazaar is set up along the High Street and Jalan Raja. Gong Xi Fa Cai Bazaar encompasses a wide range of items put on sale at stalls setup by the Chinese and other communities. Various entertainment programmes including live band performances will be performed during this period.

International Dance For Humanity
Non-stop dancing event participated by various different dance troupes/groups from many regions of the world! Malaysian Red Crescent, Miri Chapter has been organising this event since 2004 known as the 'Dance for Humanity' to promote understanding through cultural dances. Local dancing troupes representing various social, ethnic and cultural groups have been giving us enthusiastic participation to showcase their performance, which in itself is a great edu-entertainment. The overwhelming support and popularity of the event has prompted the Chapter to organise this year's event on a larger scale to include participation from international community by upgrading the event as the International Dance For Humanity'.

916 Malaysia Day Countdown Cum Street Party
The Street Party displays the passion of Mirians towards our love to the Country through participating in various outdoor sport events and the highlight is the street party complete with varied entertainment which runs beyond midnight. This annual event has attracted participation from locals and the visitors and the Party is an upcoming tourism attraction.

Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament (http://www.mirianglersclub.com)
This event is held in Miri offshore water – Luconia Shoals that attracts international anglers from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei as well as Malaysia.

Miri City Christmas Parade
An event that has received strong support from the local community since 2008. Starting point at Miri City Fan Jalan Kipas, Miri. The route of parade covers main streets in Miri City Centre. A combined effort of all churches in Miri and Miri City Council to celebrate this jovial festive occasion with the aim of promoting it as one of the signature events

Religious Places

Chinese Temples

• Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple - Built in 1913, an important icon of Miri's early history, this is the oldest Chinese temple in Miri City.
• Lian Hua San Ching Tien Taoist Temple - Located in the Krokop suburbs of Miri is South East Asia's largest Taoist temple was opened in 2000 and is cared for by Taoist priests.

Churches

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• St Columba's Church
• Miri Evangelical Church (SIB English)
• Methodist Church Miri
• Sidang Injil Borneo Sarawak
• The Church Of God Miri
• Hwai En Methodist Church
• St Joseph's Church Miri (Catholic)
• Tukau Methodist Church Miri
• SIB Literature Board
• Miri Gospel Chapel
• Piasau Baptist Church

Mosques

• Masjid Al Jamek
• Sinaran Mosque
• At-Taqwa Mosque
• Al-Falihin Mosque SMK Agama Miri

Hindu Temples

• Kamini Durga Easwari Amman, Raghavan Building

Education

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Chung Hua Miri

Primary School
The Chinese Primary Schools:

• Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Chung Hua Bakam
• Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Chung Hua Krokop
• Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Chung Hua Lutong
• Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Chung Hua Miri
• Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Chung Hua Pujut
• Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Chung Hua Sibuti
• Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) North
• Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Tukau
• Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Chung San

Islamic Primary Schools:

• Sekolah Kebangsaan Agama

National Primary Schools:

• Sekolah Kebangsaan Anchi
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Bekenu
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Bintang
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Bakam
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Luak
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Lutong
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Merbau
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Pujut Corner
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Melayu
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Riam Batu Dua
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Senadin
• Sekolah Kebangsaan South
• Sekolah Kebangsaan St.Columba
• Sekolah Kebangsaan St.Joseph
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Temala Kem Plywood
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Temenggong Datuk Muip
• Sekolah Kebangsaan Tudan

Secondary school
Chinese Secondary Schools:

• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Chung Hua Miri (美里中华中学)

Islamic Secondary Schools:

• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Miri

National Secondary Schools:

• Kolej Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang
• Kolej Vocational Miri
• Sekolah Menengah Sains Miri
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Lopeng Tengah
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato' Permaisuri
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Lutong
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Merbau
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Pujut
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Riam
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan St.Columba
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan St.Joseph
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Tunku
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Luak
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bekenu
• Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tinjar

Private and international schools
Primary Schools:

• Sekolah Rendah Sri Mawar
• Sekolah Rendah Sri Mulia

Secondary Schools:

• Riam Road Secondary School (美里廉律中学)
• Pei Min Middle School (美里培民中学)

International Schools:

• Tenby International School Miri

Tertiary education

• Curtin University Sarawak - The first offshore campus of Curtin University, Western Australia, and the first foreign university campus in East Malaysia. Opened in 1999 in partnership with the Sarawak government, it serves the educational needs of local and foreign students.
• University of Chester - Works to commence soon for development of the university facilities. Will be Chester University first offshore campus outside UK.
• Cahaya Educational & Training Academy Sdn Bhd
• Community College Miri
• Fajar International College - Provide education in Occupational Safety and Health, Business Management and Accounting Courses.
• IBS College Miri - Has been developed as the key provider of business and management training and education program in Miri, Sarawak. The College was established in 1992, originally as a professional training and development center and received the approval from the MOHE in 1998.
• Open University Malaysia
• Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara
• Institut Latihan Perindustrian Miri
• Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia Kampus Miri Sarawak
• Institut Pengurusan Maxcel
• Institut Teknologi Riam (美里廉律理工学院)
• Pusat Pembangunan Kemahiran Sarawak (Lutong)
• I-Systems College Miri

Healthcare

Hospitals in Miri city are listed below:

Government Hospital

• Miri General Hospital
• Miri Polyclinic
• Tudan Polylinic

Private Hospital

• Columbia Asia Medical Centre
• Miri City Medical Centre
• KPJ Hospital (to be commenced soon)

Media Network

Television Stations FTA

Television Channel	Frequency
TV1	E10v / 10 kW / 55kWe
TV2	E12v / 10 kW / 55kWe
TV3	E6v
NTV7	E36h

Radio Station

Frequency	Radio Stations
87.7 MHz	Sinar FM
88.1 MHz	Sarawak FM
88.9 MHz	TraXX FM
89.9 MHz	Ai FM
90.7 MHz	RTM Red Fm
91.0 MHz	RTB Pelangi Fm
91.9 MHz	Klasik Nasional FM
92.7 MHz	RTM Nasional FM
93.3 MHz	Cats FM
93.8 MHz	RTB Nasional Fm
94.9 MHz	RTB Rangkaian Nur Islam
95.7 MHz	Miri FM
96.9 MHz	RTB Pilihan FM
97.7 MHz	RTB Harmoni Fm
98.0 MHz	Miri FM
98.7 MHz	Kristal Fm
99.3 MHz	RTM Nasional FM
99.7 MHz	Kristal Radio, Recitation of al-Quran
100.3 MHz	Sarawak FM
101.3 MHz	era Fm
102.4 MHz	Melody FM (Malaysia)
103.2 MHz	MY FM
104.0 MHz	IKIM.fm
104.5 MHz	TraXX FM
105.3 MHz	Ai FM
105.8 MHz	Hitz.fm
106.3 MHz	RTM Red FM
107.1 MHz	Klasik Nasional FM

Notable People

1. Zee Avi, international singer and ukelele player.
2. Shaun Maloney, Scottish national football player.
3. Taib Mahmud, Sarawak's fourth Chief Minister.
4. Joseph Kalang Tie, Sarawak FA football player.
5. George Chan Hong Nam, Sarawak's former deputy chief minister.
6. Wee Han Wen, First chairman of the Miri City Commission.
7. Natasha Seatter, Malaysian Racing driver.
8. Vijay Singh, was the Resident Golf Pro at Miri Golf Club at the early start of his career.

International Relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Malaysia

Sister cities

Miri currently has one sister city:

Guangning County, China

External links

• Miri Council
• "Miri City Map". Tawau. Archived from the original on 16 June 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)