CENDERAMATA… Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin menerima cenderamata semasa majlis Angkat Sumpah Ahli Jawatankuasa Persatuan Pemilik Lori Miri bagi penggal ke-30 di sebuah restoran di Miri, semalam. Foto UKAS MIRI: Sarawak bakal mempunyai terminal lori bersepadu pertama yang akan dibangunkan di Miri dalam usaha memperkukuh sistem pengangkutan dan logistik negeri. Menteri Pengangkutan, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin berkata terminal lori seluas 6.64 ekar itu akan dibina berhampiran Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club (EVGCC) di Jalan Miri-Bypass. Projek ini katanya menerima tambahan peruntukan RM5 juta daripada kerajaan Sarawak, menjadikan jumlah keseluruhan kepada RM20 juta. Proses tender semula telah dibuka sejak 25 Februari lalu dengan tempoh pembinaan dijangka mengambil masa 1.5 tahun. “Terminal lori ini bukan sekadar pusat logistik tetapi akan dilengkapi kemudahan moden seperti gudang, mini bengkel penyelenggaraan, penginapan serta kedai mini bagi pemandu lori jarak jauh dari Kuching ke Miri sebelum meneruskan perjalanan ke Limbang, Lawas, Sabah dan sebaliknya,” katanya ketika berucap di majlis Angkat Sumpah Ahli Jawatankuasa Persatuan Pemilik Lori Miri bagi penggal ke-30 di sebuah restoran di sini, semalam. Beliau menegaskan bahawa terminal ini akan meningkatkan keselamatan pemandu lori dengan menyediakan tempat rehat yang selesa, sekali gus mengurangkan risiko kemalangan akibat keletihan. Selain itu, kewujudan terminal ini dijangka membantu mengurangkan kesesakan lalu lintas di Bandar Miri dengan menyediakan gudang simpanan bagi pemindahan barang menggunakan kenderaan lebih kecil. “Miri merupakan hab pengangkutan utama di utara Sarawak, dan sistem logistik yang cekap amat penting bagi menyokong pertumbuhan ekonomi tempatan,” tambahnya. Dalam ucapannya juga, Lee turut menggesa persatuan lori untuk bekerjasama dengan kerajaan dalam menarik lebih ramai golongan muda menyertai industri pengangkutan lori. Menurutnya, penyediaan gaji yang lebih kompetitif serta persekitaran kerja yang lebih baik perlu diberi perhatian bagi memperkasakan sektor ini. – UKAS

Ting, Yii, and others during the official launching of the Velosolutions Pump Track at Taman Bulatan Miri on March 15, 2025.  By Tedong Rantayy MIRI, March 15: The newly completed Velosolutions Pump Track at Taman Bulatan Miri is set to transform the local extreme sports scene and boost tourism, says Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting. Speaking at the official launch today, Ting described the RM600,000 facility as a significant milestone for Miri and Malaysia. The 251-metre track, which began construction on November 11 last year, is the country’s first extreme cycling sports site and meets international competition standards. “This is an excellent achievement, not just for Miri but for Malaysia. When we first envisioned this project, there were only 1,057 Velosolutions Pump Tracks worldwide. Today, Miri joins a global network of 1,187 tracks, placing our city firmly on the international cycling map,” said Ting. The state-of-the-art facility caters to riders of all skill levels, from beginners to professional athletes. With the rise of pump track racing globally, the track provides an opportunity to nurture homegrown talents who may one day compete in international events such as the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships. Ting officially launches the Velosolutions Pump Track at Taman Bulatan Miri on March 15, 2025. Beyond sports development, the track is expected to deliver economic benefits by attracting local and international riders, boosting tourism, and fostering community engagement through events, competitions, and training programmes. “This track represents more than just a sporting facility. It promotes a healthier, more active lifestyle for our youth, encourages outdoor activities, and fosters discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship. “We have already seen interest from cyclists across Sarawak and Brunei, and we anticipate a surge in visitors to Miri,” Ting added. With the facility now open, discussions are already underway for upcoming competitions, with an event tentatively planned for May. “This is not just about launching a track; it is about creating a movement – a vision for the future of cycling in Miri and beyond. Let the wheels roll, let the community thrive, and let this be the start of something extraordinary,” Ting concluded. — DayakDaily

Lee (centre) inspects the progress of the Miri Public Park Phase 4 project with project officials.  MIRI: With an allocation of RM1.5 million under the Sarawak Premier People’s Project, Miri Public Park is set to undergo a major transformation under Phase 4, Zone B – Rock Cliff and Forest Park. It is offering a larger, modern and eco-friendly recreational space for locals and tourists. The development aims to enhance the city’s green spaces, making the park a key attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Deputy Minister of Transport, who is also Senadin assemblyman, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, stated that although the project is only 40 per cent completed and slightly behind schedule, he remains optimistic that the contractor will expedite progress to ensure its timely completion. “To elevate the park’s appeal, a viewing tower will be constructed, providing visitors with a breath-taking view of Miri City,” he said during a site visit today. He highlighted the introduction of a Mini EcoPark that will emphasise sustainability and green design, featuring Miri City’s renowned Green Wall, previously recognised in the Guinness World Records. In addition to these attractions, the project will include improvements such as wider pedestrian walkways, an upgraded drainage system, new public toilets, gazebos, iconic structures like the Miri City Council logo plaque, a Seahorse sculpture, and informative signage. Lee further emphasised that environmental preservation remains a key focus in the park’s development. “No large trees will be removed to ensure soil stability and prevent erosion, aligning with our commitment to environmental conservation,” he stated.

Ting (10th right) and Yii (ninth right, wearing white shirt) give the thumbs up to the track at Taman Bulatan.  MIRI (March 16) Malaysia’s first Velosolutions Pump Track, located at Taman Bulatan here, was unveiled yesterday, marking a milestone for cycling enthusiasts in the country. A pump track is a specially constructed circuit with undulating terrain to allow cyclists to ride via ‘pumping’ (up and down motions) instead of pedalling. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting, who officiated at the event, hailed the world-class facility as the first of its kind in Malaysia. “This has put Miri on the global map via the Velosolutions Pump Track community. “With the completion of this track, Miri joins the ranks of 1,187 Velosolutions Pump Tracks worldwide. “This is an excellent moment, a milestone not only for Miri but also for Malaysia. We are proud to be home to the first Velosolutions Pump Track in the country,” he told reporters after the launch. Ting, the assemblyman for Piasau, said that the track, costing RM600,000, should further boost the local sports tourism industry as it would attract riders, both local and international, to come to Miri and Sarawak. This, he said, would indirectly boost the local and state economy. The facility would benefit the community here, especially the younger generation, by providing a space to train and become professionals in the sport, he added. “With the rise of pump track racing worldwide, this facility provides an opportunity for local athletes to train and potentially compete on international platforms such as the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships,” he said. The project was a collaboration between Ting’s office, the Miri City Council (MCC) and Chorts Incorporation (a partner of Malaysia Velosolutions). Also present was Pujut assemblyman Mayor Adam Yii.

Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin (second left) assists in presenting the aid to a recipient.   MIRI: An anonymous donor gave 382 sets of essential supplies, including rice packets, cooking oil and sugar, to be distributed to flood victims in Miri yesterday. The donations were made to the Miri Thian Chun Tien Buddhist Society in Tudan Phase 3 by the generous benefactor who chose to remain anonymous. Minister for Transport Sarawak cum Senadin assemblyman, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, was invited to witness the handing over and assist in the distribution of the aid. In his remarks, Lee commended the donor’s generosity, adding that such contributions complemented the government’s ongoing efforts to support those affected by natural disasters. He also expressed appreciation to the Miri Thian Chun Tien Buddhist Society for its role in coordinating the aid distribution, ensuring that assistance reached those in need.