Malaysia CitiesABC

Introduction

Miri, located in north-eastern Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, is a significant coastal city known for its rich history and natural beauty. It holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Malaysia's petroleum industry, with the first oil well drilled in 1910 by Royal Dutch Shell. This discovery spurred rapid development, transforming Miri from a small fishing village into a bustling administrative and economic hub by 1929 [27], [35].

The city gained official city status on May 20, 2005, becoming the tenth city in Malaysia and notably, the first non-state-capital to achieve this recognition [45], [46]. Today, Miri is promoted as a "Resort City" and serves as a crucial gateway for eco-tourism, offering access to world-renowned natural attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gunung Mulu National Park, and other significant national parks [49], [13]. Its strategic location near Brunei also makes it a popular shopping destination.

Data and Facts

Miri's population was estimated at 255,100 in 2023 [11].
The city spans an area of 997.43 square kilometers (385.11 sq mi) [2].
Miri experiences a tropical rainforest climate with two monsoon seasons, featuring annual rainfall between 250 to 380 cm and temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C year-round [58].
Indigenous groups, including Iban and Malay, form the largest ethnic majority (61.3% as of 2010), followed by Chinese (32.1%) [67]. Miri is home to 19 of Sarawak's 27 ethnic groups [68].
Christianity is the largest religion (50.1% in 2020), followed by Islam (34.2%) and Buddhism (12.8%) [89].
The primary official languages are Malay and English, alongside various indigenous and Chinese dialects [75].
Miri is the first non-state-capital city in Malaysia to be granted city status (2005) [46].

Administration

Miri is governed by the Miri City Council (MCC), which was upgraded from a municipal council on May 20, 2005, and is currently led by Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang [51], [1]. The MCC holds jurisdiction over an area of 977.43 km² (377.39 sq mi) and is responsible for managing the city's development under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing Sarawak [2].

Miri City also elects one Member of Parliament to the Parliament of Malaysia and three state assemblymen to the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, representing Piasau, Pujut, and Senadin constituencies [50].

Economy

Miri's economy is primarily driven by its significant oil and gas industry, contributing substantially to Sarawak's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Major international and national companies like Sarawak Shell Berhad and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd have established offices in the city, alongside other key players such as Nippon Oil, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, and Halliburton [93], [94], [95], [96], [97], [98], [99], [100], [101], [102]. Beyond petroleum, Miri also benefits from robust timber and oil palm industries, with multinational conglomerates like Shin Yang and Samling having strong roots in the area, and Sarawak Oil Palm Berhad headquartered locally [104], [106], [107], [113]. The Miri Port Authority facilitates trade, handling petroleum, timber, and building materials [115], [117]. Tourism plays a growing role, with the city serving as an eco-tourism hub and a popular shopping destination for visitors from Brunei due to favorable exchange rates [118], [119].

Business Environment

Miri presents a dynamic business environment shaped by its foundational oil and gas sector and expanding diversification efforts. The presence of major international and national oil and gas companies, alongside shipbuilding firms like Sealink Shipyard and Shin Yang Shipping & Shipyard in the Kuala Baram industrial area, indicates a strong industrial base [94], [95], [108], [109]. The city's strategic port facilities support significant cargo handling, contributing to its commercial activity [115], [117]. Furthermore, the education sector, particularly with institutions like Curtin University, Malaysia, plays a role in generating foreign exchange and developing a skilled workforce, fostering a supportive environment for various industries [122]. The consistent influx of tourists and shoppers, especially from Brunei, also stimulates the retail and hospitality sectors [119], [120].

Infrastructure

Miri's infrastructure supports its role as a regional hub. The city's road network is maintained by the Miri City Council, providing connections to major cities within Sarawak and neighboring Brunei via the Pan Borneo Highway and ASEAN Bridge [123], [124], [125]. Public transport includes local and long-distance bus services and taxis, although taxis do not use meters [8]. Miri Airport (MYY) serves as a vital gateway for domestic, international, and rural air services, being the tenth busiest airport in Malaysia and the second busiest in Sarawak, handling flights to various destinations including Singapore and interior Sarawak [127], [128]. The Miri Port Authority at the Baram River mouth facilitates maritime trade [115]. In terms of utilities, LAKU Management Sdn Bhd oversees water supply, and while urban electricity coverage is high (94% in 2009, 91% by 2014), rural areas still lag.

Technology

While specific high-tech companies are not prominently highlighted beyond the oil and gas sector, Miri's technological landscape is supported by its infrastructure and educational institutions. The city benefits from developing mobile telecommunication infrastructure, managed by Sacofa Sdn Bhd, and increasing internet penetration, though still below the national average. Educational institutions such as Institut Latihan Perindustrian Miri offer courses in telecommunication and product design, contributing to a skilled workforce in technical fields [161]. The city's robust oil and gas industry, with its demand for advanced exploration and production technologies, implicitly drives a certain level of technological engagement within Miri's business environment.

References

[1] Miri City Council. "Official Website of Miri City Council - Mayor message." www.miricouncil.gov.my

[2] Miri City Council. "Miri Council ... in Brief." Website of Miri City Council, 4 September 2014.

[3] World Climate. "Miri, Malaysia Weather History and Climate Data." www.worldclimate.com

[4] Flood Map. "Malaysia Elevation Map (Elevation of Miri)." www.floodmap.net

[5] Department of Statistics, Malaysia. "Population Distribution by Local Authority Areas and Mukims, 2010 (page 1)." www.statistics.gov.my

[6] Sarawak Tourism Board. "Sarawak Visitors' Guide 2014 - Miri." sarawaktourism.com

[7] Miri Resort City. "Miri City Fan." www.miriresortcity.com

[8] Miri Resident and District Office. "Laman Web Rasmi Pejabat Residen dan Daerah di Miri - Sejarah Miri (Official Website of Miri Resident and District Office - History of Miri)." www.miri.sarawak.gov.my

[9] Then, Stephen. "Revelry as Miri turns city." The Star (Malaysia), 20 May 2005.

[10] The Borneo Post. "Miri to replace Kuching as Sarawak capital?." 19 May 2014.

[11] Citypopulation.de. "Miri (District, Malaysia) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and ..." citypopulation.de

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[15] Yellow Pages Malaysia. "Schlumberger WTA (M) Sdn Bhd." www.yellowpages.my

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[21] The Borneo Post. "Rich deposits of crude oil and gas discovered in Sarawak's inland areas." 22 April 2013.

[22] MiriResortCity.com. "The Oil Town." www.miriresortcity.com

[23] The Star (Malaysia). "Sarawak shakers." 27 March 2010.

[24] Forests Monitor. "Company Profiles." www.forestsmonitor.org

[25] The Sealink Group. "About Us - The Sealink Group." asiasealink.com

[26] SHIN YANG Shipping Corporation Berhad. "SHIN YANG Shipping Corporation Berhad - About US." www.syshippingcorp.com.my

[27] Berjaya Dockyard Sdn Bhd. "Berjaya Dockyard Sdn Bhd - About Us." berjaya.com

[28] Sarawak Slipways Sdn Bhd. "Sarawak Slipways Sdn Bhd - Company Profile." www.sarawakslipways.com

[29] Cramb, R.A. "Reinventing Dualism: Policy Narratives and Modes of Oil Palm Expansion in Sarawak." Australian National University - Crawford School of Public Policy, 19 October 2007.

[30] Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad. "Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad - Contact Us." www.sop.com.my

[31] Miri Port Authority. "About MPA." miriport.gov.my

[32] Miri Port Authority. "Facilities." miriport.gov.my

[33] The Borneo Post. "Form uniform mechanism to verify cargo amount — AG." 17 June 2014.

[34] The Guardian. "'It's dangerous to go out now': young, gay and scared in Brunei — AG." 6 April 2019.

[35] The Star (Malaysia). "Miri remains as top draw for Bruneians." 14 January 2010.

[36] The Borneo Post. "Miri still a shopping paradise for Bruneians." 19 March 2012.

[37] The Star (Malaysia). "Visitor movement between Brunei, Sarawak to cross over three million mark." 16 February 2014.

[38] Sibon, Peter. "Ting identifies key contributing factors to Miri's boom." The Borneo Post, 5 March 2012.

[39] The Star (Malaysia). "Massive congestion at Sarawak-Brunei checkpoints spoils festive mood." 3 February 2014.

[40] The Borneo Post. "Pan Borneo Highway, coastal road to be upgraded in stages." 4 September 2012.

[41] The Borneo Post. "Abolish toll at Asean Bridge, gazette Piasau Camp as Hornbill Park, Ling urges." 24 May 2013.

[42] The Borneo Post. "Work to upgrade Miri Airport to commence this year, says Lee." 19 February 2014.

[43] The Malaysian Insider. "Miri Airport needs an upgrade – Jofri Jaraiee." 23 April 2014.

[44] Miri Hospital. "Latar Belakang Hospital Miri (Miri Hospital Background)." hmiri.moh.gov.my

[45] The Borneo Post. "Miri polyclinic upgrading its facilities, assures doctor in-charge." 1 August 2012.

[46] The Borneo Post. "Facilities in Tudan Polyclinic not up to standard." 10 November 2011.

[47] Miri City Medical Centre. "About Miri City Medical Centre." mcmcmiri.com

[48] malaysiacentral.com. "Columbia Asia Hospital Miri – Private Hospital and Medical Facilities in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia." www.malaysiacentral.com

[49] Sarawak Education Department. "Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Miri (Miri District Education Office)." jpnsarawak.moe.gov.my

[50] The Borneo Post. "SJKC Chung Hua Miri retains good record in UPSR result." 20 November 2012.

[51] The Borneo Post. "Tales of tourism from Chinese writing skill camp for primary school." 11 May 2014.

[52] The Borneo Post. "Three cluster schools shine." 24 April 2014.

[53] The Borneo Post. "Four classes at SK Anchi without power." 11 March 2015.

[54] The Borneo Post. "SK Senadin on right track — Gramong'." 28 September 2013.

[55] The Borneo Post. "SK St Columba best first aider." 30 November 2013.

[56] The Borneo Post. "World Scout Environment event attracts 244 students." 19 April 2015.

[57] Curtin University. "Curtin Sarawak." futurestudents.curtin.edu.au

[58] Curtin University Sarawak. "Undergraduate Degree Studies." www.curtin.edu.my

[59] The Borneo Post. "Fajar International College offers quality and affordable education." 13 April 2011.

[60] The Borneo Post. "IBS College to introduce new courses; next intake April 28." 30 January 2014.

[61] maxcelinstituteofmanagement.blogspot.com. "Maxcel Institute of Management." maxcelinstituteofmanagement.blogspot.com

[62] The Borneo Post. "Ceta welcomes SPM school leavers to sign up for drafting courses." 5 September 2012.

[63] Institute Latihan Perindustrian Miri. "Institute Latihan Perindustrian Miri - Introduction." www.ilpmiri.gov.my

[64] etawau.com. "RIAM Institute of Technology Sarawak." etawau.com

[65] Naim Holdings Berhad. "Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN), Miri, Sarawak." www.naim.com.my

[66] Sarawak Skills Development Centre. "Pusat Pembangunan Kemahiran Sarawak (Sarawak Skills Development Centre)." www.ppks.edu.my

[67] The Borneo Post. "Kolej Komuniti Miri offers short module courses." 26 October 2010.

[68] etawau.com. "OUM Sarawak." etawau.com

[69] LibraryNet. "Introduction to Miri City Council Public Library." www.librarynet.com.my

[70] Library Net. "Introduction to Pustaka Miri." www.librarynet.com.my

[71] The Borneo Post. "Tusan Beach a stunning open secret in Miri." 21 September 2015.

[72] The Borneo Post. "Blue Tears & Bioluminescence phenomenon back again in Miri!." 22 November 2016.

[73] Miri Crocodile Farm. "The Crocodile Farm." miricrocodilefarm.com

[74] Sarawak Tourism Board. "Miri Crocodile Farm cum Mini Zoo." sarawaktourism.com

Miri

Country

Malaysia

Total Area

997.43 km² (385.11 mi²)

Population

255,100 (2023)

Time Zone

MST (UTC+08:00)