MIRI, Dec 24: The Visitor Information Center Miri Garden (VICM Garden) officially marked its transformation into a vibrant community hub with the successful hosting of the Twinkling Christmas Market on Dec 14 and 15. Organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Miri City Council (MCC), the event drew over 4,000 visitors and served as a showcase of the garden’s potential as a venue for community-centred activities and events, according to a press release. This milestone event follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between STB and MCC on Nov 20, which formalised their partnership for the adoption and maintenance of VICM Garden. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing Miri’s public green spaces, fostering community engagement, and positioning the garden as a key attraction in the city. Twinkling Christmas Market held at VICM Garden, Miri. Photo credit: STB Meanwhile, the Twinkling Christmas Market not only celebrated the festive season but also served as the official introduction of the garden as a venue open to the public for use, available for bookings at a nominal fee. Featuring 19 vendors offering handmade crafts, festive treats, and more, the market allowed attendees to shop local while enjoying the cheerful holiday ambience. Seven captivating performances, ranging from school choirs and church carollers to local bands and street singers, filled the garden with festive spirit, creating an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Santa Claus also made a special appearance, delighting children and families with balloons and gifts. A standout addition to the area is the magnificent Sape Sculpture, standing tall at 3.2 metres. This striking landmark adds character to the garden and the city of Miri, becoming the first and only Sape structure in the entire city. With its emphasis on community, sustainability, and inclusivity, VICM Garden is set to become a cornerstone of Miri’s social and cultural landscape. Residents and organisations are encouraged to utilise the space, which is now open for public use, ensuring the garden becomes a thriving centre for shared experiences and memorable moments. — DayakDaily

MIRI: The Miri Sentral Bus Terminal will officially commence operations on Jan 18, 2025. Miri City Council (MCC) Mayor Adam Yii described the new facility as a major advancement in the city’s transportation infrastructure. He also confirmed that the existing Pujut Bus Terminal will cease operations on Jan 17, 2025. The Miri Sentral Bus Terminal boasts modern amenities and enhanced connectivity, including 12 ticket counters and retail shop units, 14 bus platforms, two cafés, spacious and comfortable waiting areas and public toilets. The terminal is equipped to cater to long-distance buses, stage buses, taxis, and e-hailing services. Yii said that the project was a collaborative effort between the Sarawak government, the Ministry of Transport Sarawak and MCC. “This new facility underscores our commitment to enhancing public transportation and accessibility for all,” Yii said in a statement today (Dec 23). He invited the community, stakeholders and the media to support the hub, which he said would be instrumental in Miri’s growth.

Diagram shows the half road from Jalan Sylvia to Jalan Merbau which will be closed to traffic during the road closure. MIRI: Jalan Merbau and Jalan Sylvia here will be partially closed for two months from Jan 2 to Feb 28, 2025. According to a notice by the Miri City Council, the road closure is to give way for the ongoing construction of the Sarawak Oil Palm Berhad’s 18-storey office. The road closure will happen from 8.30am-11.30am and 1.30pm-4.30pm. During this time, the affected roads are half roads from Jalan Sylvia to the junction into Jalan Merbau. Road users are advised to plan their route ahead during this period to avoid being stuck in traffic congestion during peak hours.

Yii says the state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in enhancing public transportation infrastructure for the city and its surrounding regions. MIRI (Dec 27): The new Miri Sentral Bus Terminal will officially begin operations on Jan 18 next year, operating daily from 5am to 11pm. According to Miri mayor Adam Yii, the state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in enhancing public transportation infrastructure for the city and its surrounding regions. “The current Pujut Bus Terminal will cease operations on Jan 17, 2025. “We take this opportunity to acknowledge the role it has played in serving the community for many years,” he said in a statement. He said the Miri Sentral Bus Terminal will continue the legacy of the Pujut Bus Terminal with improved facilities and connectivity. The new terminal is designed to meet the needs of commuters and transport operators. It features 12 ticket counters, 12 retail shop units, 14 bus platforms, two cafés, spacious and comfortable waiting areas, and disability friendly public toilets. “The facility will cater to long-distance buses, stage buses, taxis, and e-hailing services, ensuring greater convenience and a seamless travel experience for all. “The Miri Sentral Bus Terminal reflects the collective efforts of the state government, the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, and Miri City Council to modernise the infrastructure, improve accessibilities, and strengthen connectivity,” Yii said. He thus invites all members of the public, stakeholders, and the media to support and embrace the new hub, which is poised to play a vital role in the development of Miri’s transportation network. “We look forward to welcoming commuters to the new Miri Sentral Bus Terminal starting 18 Jan, 2025.” For further enquiries on the new bus terminal, the public may contact the Parking Unit of Miri City Council via the general line 085-438940.

Abdul Karim (centre) witnessing the exchange of MoU documents between Yii (3rd right) and Sharzede KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Miri City Council (MCC) recently formalised their collaboration for the adoption and maintenance of the Visitor Information Centre Miri Garden (VICM Garden) through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). According to a statement from STB, the partnership underscores a joint commitment to enhance Miri’s public green spaces while fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship. “The VICM Garden Adoption Programme aims to make the garden a community hub, encouraging residents to participate in events and sustainability efforts while bolstering Miri City’s reputation as a tourist destination. “This collaboration reflects the shared goal of creating more attractive and sustainable public spaces in Sarawak. “The partnership between STB and MCC is expected to bring meaningful benefits, such as increased community involvement in garden activities, a stronger focus on environmental awareness, and improved public amenities,” the statement added. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) premises on Nov 18. It was signed by Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang and STB CEO Sharzede Salleh Askor. Witnessing the event were Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, his deputy Datuk Sebastian Ting, STB chairman Dato Dennis Ngau, MCC acting city secretary Abdul Rahman Taupek, and STB director of Stakeholder Relations Mary Wan Mering. Yii described the signing as a significant step toward sustainable goals. “This collaboration reflects the shared goal of creating more attractive and sustainable public spaces in Sarawak. “It is expected to bring meaningful benefits, such as increased community involvement in garden activities, a stronger focus on environmental awareness, and improved public amenities,” he said. Meanwhile, Sharzede echoed this shared vision, describing the VICM Garden as a purposeful asset for community development, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The Visitor Information Centre Miri Garden.