MIRI (Jan 19): Miri City Council (MCC) has long had plans to develop the old Pujut Corner bus station into a seasonal fruit centre to accommodate fruit traders, including casual sellers who operate only during the fruit season. Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said the council is currently not imposing any charges on traders selling fruits at the site. “We encourage genuine fruit sellers to set up their stalls there. Our aim is to establish the area as a recognised Seasonal Fruit Centre so that both locals and visitors know where to go when they are looking for fruits,” he said at a press conference here on Monday. He said centralising fruit trading at the site would allow the council to better manage cleanliness, environmental concerns and waste disposal. Yii, who is also Pujut assemblyman, stressed that the council had no intention of causing hardship to traders, particularly those who rely on seasonal fruit sales for their livelihood. “Our objective is to create a fair environment where everyone has an opportunity to earn a living. “When new policies are introduced, there may be initial misunderstandings or teething issues, and that is understandable,” he said. Commenting on the impounding of durians by the MCC enforcement team between Jan 13 and 15, Yii said the operation, carried out at several locations here, had attracted public attention on social media. He said that prior to the enforcement action, officers had issued 28 warning notices and five compounds to traders. “Despite these warnings and compounds, some traders continued to operate in breach of regulations,” he said. Yii explained that enforcement officers had acted in accordance with standard operating procedures and that traders whose items were seized were informed that the impounded goods could be reclaimed upon payment of a penalty. Out of 13 traders whose durians and other items, including weighing scales, were seized, only one had come forward to reclaim the items, he said. Meanwhile, Yii said unclaimed items would be disposed of at the Kuala Baram disposal site. Addressing allegations circulating online, Yii said the council has documentation and video recordings of the disposal process to ensure transparency. “If the public wishes to view the evidence, the council can arrange it. We want to be transparent in our enforcement actions,” he said.

MIRI: Upgrading work on the Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex has now reached 88 per cent completion. The project is targeted to be fully completed and operational a week before the Chinese New Year celebration. Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said the RM4-million project, approved by the Sarawak Government, includes the construction of four additional lanes, increased immigration and customs counters, as well as the construction of 12 public toilets, including facilities for Persons with Disabilities (OKU). According to him, traffic congestion at the border checkpoint has long been a major complaint among users, especially on weekends and festive seasons such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, with waiting times reaching between three and five hours. “The congestion becomes more apparent when the number of vehicles increases, involving users from Brunei, Miri, Lawas, Limbang and even Sabah who pass through Brunei to get to Miri. “Therefore, this project is crucial to ensure smooth cross-border movement,” he said during a working visit to monitor the project’s progress today. In relation to this, Lee has requested the Public Works Department (PWD) to enhance monitoring and ensure the project is completed according to schedule. The project was originally scheduled for completion in December last year but was granted an extension due to several minor design amendments. Once completed, traffic flow will be separated according to vehicle type, where Malaysian and Bruneian-registered vehicles will use separate lanes and counters. Four new counters will be dedicated to Malaysian vehicles to speed up the clearance process. Lee also suggested the addition of immigration and customs personnel to ensure all the extra counters can operate fully, particularly during festive seasons. At the same time, he emphasised that this upgrading project is a short-term solution, while a comprehensive upgrading proposal for the Sungai Tujoh ICQ will be submitted to the federal government for consideration under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13). For the long term, he also proposed the use of modern technology such as electronic clearance, facial or vehicle recognition to speed up entry and exit processes, in line with international border checkpoint practices.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Prihatin terhadap seruan kecemasan Tabung Darah Hospital Miri,  Pergerakan Belia Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Cawangan N.73 Piasau dan Persatuan Belia Miri tampil mengambil inisiatif menganjurkan Program Derma Darah 2.0 pada Sabtu ini. Program yang bermula jam 10 pagi di Ground Floor West Court, Bintang Megamall Miri (berhampiran Uniqlo) itu diadakan bagi membantu mendapatkan bekalan darah yang mencukupi untuk menampung keperluan bekalan darah di hospital berkenaan.Menurut pihak penganjur, program itu diadakan susulan laporan media yang mendedahkan kekurangan stok darah di Hospital Miri, sekali gus menuntut sokongan segera masyarakat setempat. “Usaha itu bukan sahaja bertujuan meningkatkan paras simpanan darah hospital, malah berperanan mendidik orang ramai tentang kepentingan menderma darah sebagai satu amalan kemanusiaan dan tanggungjawab sosial. “Setiap sumbangan darah amat penting bagi menyokong rawatan kecemasan, pembedahan serta keperluan pesakit yang bergantung kepada bekalan darah secara berterusan,” kata pihak penganjur. Program Derma Darah 2.0 turut dimeriahkan dengan pameran dan reruai maklumat melibatkan pelbagai aktiviti kesedaran, selain majlis perasmian yang melambangkan semangat kebersamaan dan keprihatinan masyarakat terhadap keperluan kesihatan awam. Sehubungan itu, orang ramai khususnya warga Miri dan kawasan sekitar diseru hadir dan menyertai program berkenaan bagi membantu memastikan bekalan darah di Hospital Miri berada pada tahap mencukupi.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Dewan masyarakat terbuka di Kampung Pulau Melayu bakal dinaik taraf kepada dewan tertutup yang dilengkapi kemudahan penghawa dingin bagi menyediakan persekitaran lebih selamat dan kondusif untuk penduduk kampung menganjurkan pelbagai acara. Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan Datuk Sebastian Ting berkata, kerja-kerja naik taraf dan penambahbaikan itu dilaksanakan susulan beberapa cabaran yang dihadapi penduduk setempat. Menurutnya, disebabkan keadaan dewan yang terbuka, penduduk yang menghadiri program pada waktu malam sering terdedah kepada gangguan nyamuk, sekali gus menjejaskan keselesaan serta tahap penyertaan. “Dengan menaik taraf dewan berkenaan dan memasang pendingin hawa, penduduk dapat menganjurkan perhimpunan, acara dan sambutan pada waktu malam dengan lebih selesa tanpa kebimbangan terhadap gangguan nyamuk. “Faktor kedua yang mendorong pelaksanaan projek itu ialah masalah kecurian kabel elektrik yang kerap berlaku sehingga menjejaskan penggunaan kemudahan tersebut,” katanya ketika ditemui semasa melawat ke tapak projek berkenaan hari ini. Beliau memberitahu, projek bernilai RM200,000 itu melibatkan kerja-kerja menaik taraf asas dewan, pembinaan struktur keluli utama dan bumbung, selain pembinaan dinding bata yang mengelilingi dewan. Ting turut memaklumkan, projek yang bermula baru-baru ini dijangka siap dalam tempoh enam bulan iaitu sekitar awal Julai depan. Sehubungan itu, beliau yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Piasau berharap dengan siapnya dewan berkenaan kelak, insiden kecurian dapat dikurangkan dan penduduk kampung dapat kembali mengadakan perhimpunan serta pelbagai acara, sekali gus mengeratkan hubungan silaturahim dan mengukuhkan perpaduan komuniti. Semasa lawatan tapak tersebut, Ting turut menyaksikan penyerahan kontrak kerja daripada Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) kepada kontraktor yang dilantik, dengan JKR bertindak sebagai agensi pemantau bagi projek berkenaan. Turut hadir ialah Pemanca Ujut Rahman, Pemanca Leonard Fong dan Kaunselor Kelvin Chia.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Agenda menjadikan Miri sebagai sebuah bandar raya lestari, hijau dan berdaya saing memerlukan penglibatan aktif golongan belia serta kerjasama strategik berterusan semua pihak, bukan sekadar dasar di atas kertas. Datuk Bandar Miri Adam Yii Siew Sang menegaskan, belia, institusi pendidikan, pertubuhan bukan kerajaan, sektor swasta dan komuniti setempat merupakan tonggak utama dalam memacu inovasi hijau serta amalan mampan di bandar raya ini, menerusi konsep Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDG). “Golongan ini adalah pemimpin masa hadapan dan pemacu kepada perubahan. Inisiatif seperti Karnival SDG ini perlu diteruskan dan diperluaskan agar memberi impak jangka panjang kepada pembangunan bandaraya,” katanya. Yii yang merupakan ADUN Pujut berkata demikian ketika berucap merasmikan Karnival SDG Bandaraya Miri, Edisi 1/2026 yang berlangsung di Aras 3, Boulevard Hypermarket, Pujut di sini, semalam. Menurut Yii, pembangunan sebuah bandar raya lestari menuntut komitmen berterusan serta kerjasama strategik semua pihak berkepentingan. Beliau yakin di bawah kepimpinan Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MBM), dengan sokongan padu rakan strategik SDG dan masyarakat setempat, Miri berpotensi muncul sebagai bandar raya contoh yang progresif dan kompetitif di peringkat negeri serta nasional. Dalam pada itu, beliau menyeru rakyat Miri agar terus memperkukuh komitmen dalam menyokong usaha kelestarian bandar raya ini demi merealisasikan visi Miri sebagai sebuah Bandar Raya Hijau, Bandar Raya Pintar serta antara bandar raya peranginan antarabangsa yang paling selesa untuk didiami. Sementara itu, Karnival SDG Bandaraya Miri, Edisi 1/2026, adalah anjuran bersama Pembangunan Komuniti SDG MBM, bersama rakan strategik SDG serta Jawatankuasa Penduduk Miri. Terdahulu, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa SDG, Kaunselor Jamil Bujang dalam ucapan alu-aluannya berkata, karnival itu dianjurkan sebagai platform inklusif untuk mendekatkan SDG kepada masyarakat umum melalui pendekatan yang bersifat mendidik, interaktif dan berteraskan komuniti. “Penganjuran edisi pertama ini menumpukan kepada pemerkasaan kesedaran awam dalam aspek kelestarian alam sekitar, ekonomi hijau, kesejahteraan sosial serta tadbir urus bandar yang mampan, selari dengan aspirasi Pelan Pembangunan Strategik Sarawak (PCDS) 2030 dan agenda bandar rendah karbon,” katanya.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Usaha berterusan Ibu Pejabat Polis (IPD) Miri dalam membanteras jenayah membuahkan hasil apabila statistik jenayah indeks menunjukkan penurunan ketara sepanjang tahun 2025, sekali gus meningkatkan tahap keselamatan awam di daerah ini. Ketua Polis Daerah Miri ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah berkata, jumlah jenayah indeks menurun daripada 395 kes pada 2024 kepada 373 kes pada 2025, iaitu pengurangan sebanyak 22 kes atau enam peratus, hasil komitmen berterusan warga IPD Miri dalam pelaksanaan tugas. Menurutnya, kadar penyelesaian kes kekal pada tahap membanggakan apabila 297 kes (75 peratus) berjaya diselesaikan pada 2024, manakala 275 kes (74 peratus) diselesaikan pada 2025. Manakala dari segi keseluruhan jenayah melibatkan kes indeks dan bukan indeks, IPD Miri mencatatkan 1,134 kes pada 2024 dengan 869 kes berjaya dituduh di mahkamah, bersamaan 76 peratus kadar pertuduhan. “Pada tahun 2025 pula, jumlah kes menurun kepada 928 kes, dengan 746 kes berjaya dituduh di mahkamah, sekali gus meningkatkan kadar pertuduhan kepada 84 peratus,” katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Perhimpunan Bulanan IPD Miri di sini hari ini. Hadir sama timbalannya, Superintenden Nur Asyikhin Abdullah, Ketua Bahagian Pencegahan Jenayah dan Keselamatan Komuniti IPD Miri DSP Sila Kadung serta pegawai kanan yang lain. Penghargaan turut diberikan kepada tujuh wartawan di Miri atas kerjasama erat dalam usaha menyampaikan maklumat kepada masyarakat khasnya di daerah Miri dengan berkesan. Dalam pada itu, beliau berkata Bahagian Siasatan Jenayah Narkotik IPD Miri turut mencatatkan peningkatan ketara apabila 1,313 kes dibuka dengan 1,385 tangkapan pada 2025, berbanding 1,001 kes dan 1,045 tangkapan pada tahun sebelumnya. “Peningkatan tersebut melibatkan pertambahan 312 kes atau 31.16 peratus serta 340 tangkapan atau 32.53 peratus, dengan nilai rampasan dadah bagi 2025 mencecah RM67.19 juta. “Bagi kes jenayah komersial turut menunjukkan peningkatan ketara apabila 727 kes dilaporkan pada 2025, berbanding 337 kes pada 2024, peningkatan sebanyak 390 kes atau 115.73 peratus,” katanya. Beliau berkata, peningkatan itu mencerminkan tahap kesedaran awam yang semakin tinggi untuk tampil membuat laporan selepas pelbagai program pencegahan dan ceramah kesedaran dijalankan. Bagi Bahagian Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik IPD Miri, statistik menunjukkan penurunan kes kemalangan jalan raya daripada 3,516 kes pada 2024 kepada 3,442 kes pada 2025, iaitu pengurangan sebanyak 74 kes. “Lebih membanggakan, kes kemalangan maut menurun daripada 62 kes pada 2024 kepada 47 kes pada 2025, sekali gus mencatatkan pengurangan sebanyak 15 kes,” katanya sambil menyifatkan keseluruhan pencapaian ini satu peningkatan yang cemerlang untuk IPD Miri. Dalam pada itu, beliau turut menegaskan pendirian tiada kompromi terhadap penyalahgunaan dan pengedaran dadah, termasuk dalam kalangan warga PDRM sendiri, selain mengarahkan tindakan tegas dan bersepadu diteruskan. Beliau berkata, kualiti penyampaian perkhidmatan yang cepat, mesra dan profesional perlu sentiasa diperkasakan kerana ia mencerminkan imej PDRM, di samping menyeru kerjasama berterusan masyarakat demi keselamatan dan kesejahteraan bersama. Pada majlis sama, Farhan turut menyampaikan sijil penghargaan kepada 14 orang anggota dan dua kakitangan awam atas pencapaian cemerlang mereka di dalam tugasan masing-masing.  Penghargaan turut diberikan kepada tujuh orang wartawan atas kerjasama erat dalam usaha menyampaikan maklumat kepada masyarakat khasnya di daerah Miri dengan berkesan.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Kempen Kesedaran Trafik 2026 yang berlangsung di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Chung Hua Miri, semalam merupakan salah satu usaha meningkatkan kesedaran keselamatan jalan raya khususnya dalam kalangan ibu bapa dan keluarga pelajar. Program pelancaran yang bermula jam 2 petang itu dianjurkan oleh pihak sekolah dengan kerjasama Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) Trafik Miri, bertujuan menangani isu kesesakan serta keselamatan lalu lintas di persekitaran sekolah, terutama ketika waktu puncak penghantaran dan pengambilan pelajar. Hadir mewakili PDRM Trafik Miri ialah Inspektor G. Visvanathan Guna Cekeren dan Sarjan Mejar Mohd Khairul Annuar Ahmad Kassim. Turut hadir ialah wakil pihak sekolah dan agensi berkaitan termasuk Penolong Kanan Hal Ehwal Murid Yong Hong Then, Ketua Bidang Teknik dan Vokasional Ng Voon Kong, Setiausaha Disiplin Chua Chiang Hoong, wakil Jawatankuasa Keselamatan Wan Saiful Azuari Mohamed, wakil Jawatankuasa Disiplin Ahmad Nizam Ismail, Setiausaha Lembaga Pengelola Sekolah Rita Ting Lee Tai serta Pengerusi Persatuan Ibu Bapa dan Guru (PIBG) Voon Cheng Thong. Antara pengisian utama program adalah edaran risalah panduan dan garis panduan meletakkan kenderaan kepada ibu bapa serta keluarga pelajar, selain sesi taklimat keselamatan secara santai menerusi pendekatan bersemuka. Menerusi sesi tersebut, pihak polis dan sekolah memberi penerangan mengenai kepentingan sikap bertanggungjawab pengguna jalan raya, khususnya larangan meletakkan kenderaan di kawasan tidak dibenarkan sehingga menghalang aliran trafik atau menyebabkan kesesakan. Pihak sekolah berharap pelaksanaan kempen itu dapat meningkatkan tahap kesedaran komuniti sekolah serta mewujudkan persekitaran yang lebih selamat dan teratur demi kesejahteraan pelajar dan pengguna jalan raya di kawasan sekitar SMK Chung Hua (CF) Miri.

MIRI (Jan 20): A tow truck and a decontrolled lorry were among vehicles seized during Road Transport Department (JPJ) operations here on Monday. JPJ Sarawak said in a statement that the Ops Khas Back to School (BTS) and Ops Gempur for commercial vehicles were conducted around the city by the JPJ Miri Operations Unit. During the operations, 217 commercial and private vehicles were inspected. “Inspection on these vehicles revealed various offences including drivers without valid driving licences, failure to wear seat belts, expired driving licences, as well as other offences involving vehicle technical aspects. “The vehicles seized were due to offences involving expired road tax and lack of insurance coverage,” JPJ said. JPJ Sarawak added it remains committed to continuously and comprehensively carrying out enforcement operations as a proactive measure to enhance compliance with road traffic laws and to ensure the safety of all road users.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Sepasukan anggota dari Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat (BBP) Lutong dikerahkan ke kawasan sebuah rumah di Lorong Perdana 2B, Tudan Desaras di sini susulan laporan kehadiran seekor buaya di dalam longkang, tengah hari Rabu. Menurut Ketua BBP Lutong, Henry Jugah, pihaknya menerima panggilan kecemasan berhubung kejadian itu pada jam 11.53 pagi, sebelum sebuah jentera bersama beberapa anggota segera digerakkan ke lokasi yang terletak kira-kira 11 kilometer dari balai. "Sebaik tiba di lokasi pada jam 12.05 tengah hari, pasukan keluaran operasi terus menjalankan menjalankan pemeriksaan di kawasan terbabit. "Namun hasil pemeriksaan mendapati tiada kelibat buaya ditemui di dalam longkang seperti yang dilaporkan oleh orang awam," katanya dalam satu kenyataan. Berikutan itu katanya, PKO  seterusnya mengambil langkah pemantauan keselamatan di sekitar kawasan kejadian bagi memastikan tiada ancaman kepada penduduk setempat. "Kami turut menghubungi Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) untuk tindakan lanjut sekiranya," katanya. Setelah memastikan keadaan selamat dan terkawal, operasi ditamatkan pada jam 12.25 tengah hari sebelum PKO bertolak pulang ke balai  

MIRI (Jan 21): Several parts of the suspension bridge at the Pavilion in Taman Awam will be temporarily closed pending further inspection by the Miri City Council (MCC) following an incident on Sunday that left a visitor injured after a wooden plank broke. Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang told a press conference here on Wednesday that a detailed safety inspection would be carried out at the Pavilion area as well as other parts of Taman Awam to prevent a recurrence. “MCC will be engaging professional bodies to conduct further inspections. Following this, repair works will be carried out in the affected area,” he said adding that MCC team had went to ground immediately after they learnt about the incident on Monday. Yii, who is also Pujut assemblyman, said the council viewed the incident seriously and was already in contact with the injured individual. “Public facilities are covered by public liability insurance. We will assist the individual in making an official claim,” he said. On the issue of durian sales, Yii said MCC was reviewing all arrangements for seasonal fruit sales in the city. He added that the council would also look into ways to better manage Ramadan stalls this year. “The council’s position is to ensure that stall fees remain reasonable, so that those celebrating the occasion are not burdened financially,” he said. Similarly, for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, the Market Traders and Hawkers Standing Committee will review arrangements for the sale of mandarins and other festive goods and food. He said the council’s aim was to serve the community in a way that benefits everyone. On drainage maintenance, Yii said MCC would continue efforts to clear clogged drains throughout the city to help reduce the risk of flooding. “Flooding can be caused by many factors. However, for those within the council’s control, we will do our best to minimise flooding,” he said.

MIRI (Jan 5): Nearly 1,500 visitors thronged the compound of the Miri Indoor Stadium last Saturday to enjoy a free durian feast organised by the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Miri branch. Its chairman Mohammad Hafidz Rohani said about one tonne of fruits, including ‘langsat’, rambutans and ‘bambangan’, was prepared for the event. “The fruits were specially sourced from several areas around Miri, including Niah and Marudi. This initiative is also part of our effort at DUBS Miri to support local farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs,” he said. Hafidz added that the organisers were pleasantly surprised by the turnout, especially since the event was planned just a day prior to its implementation. He added DUBS would continue to play an active role in strengthening community unity through initiatives centred around food, arts, dance, culture and entrepreneurship, which can help stimulate the local economy.      

MIRI (Jan 4): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Lawas is urging the relevant authorities to immediately raise the road level in Kampung Sualai, Lawas, and construct additional culverts in the village to address the frequent flooding. PKR Lawas branch chief Zahid Matserudin, in a statement today, said he had received numerous complaints about the recurring floods, particularly during high tides. “Whenever a high tide occurs, the village’s main road becomes submerged, making movement difficult for residents, including schoolchildren, the elderly, and those requiring emergency medical attention. “This situation poses a clear safety risk and should not be allowed to continue,” he said. He added that residents reported the problem is caused not only by the road being too low but also by an inadequate drainage system, especially at the junction near the Kampung Sualai Hall. At this location, Zahid said, water tends to stagnate for prolonged periods as the flow into the river is slow. “The villagers have raised this concern and are requesting that an additional culvert be constructed at the hall junction to expedite water discharge into the river, thereby reducing the risk of the road being submerged during high tides and heavy rainfall,” he added. Zahid also said that, as a long-term solution, residents are calling for the road to be raised concurrently with improvements to the drainage system to provide a more effective and lasting solution.      

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Pengerusi Persatuan Belia Miri (PBM) Mohd Aniq Ashwin Abuzar hari ini menegur kenyataan sebuah portal media sosial berhubung isu lesen perniagaan dan penguatkuasaan oleh Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MBM) yang tular.  Beliau menegaskan bahawa naratif yang dibawa oleh portal tersebut jauh terpesong daripada kenyataan asal yang dikeluarkan dalam laporan akhbar tempatan melibatkan temuramah bersama Timbalan Datuk Bandar, Kaunselor Ariffin Mohamad.  "Saya amat kesal dengan tindakan portal media itu yang menyebarkan tajuk berita mengelirukan berhubung isu penguatkuasaan premis di bandar raya ini. Menurut kenyataan asal Timbalan Datuk Bandar Arifin Mohamad di akhbar, fokus utama MBM ketika ini adalah untuk memperhebatkan pemantauan terhadap premis berlesen susulan makluman daripada pihak polis mengenai insiden salah laku di beberapa pusat hiburan," jelasnya dalam kenyataan medianya  pada hari ini.  Menurut Aniq, antara perkara penting yang disalahertikan termasuk, Arifin menjelaskan bahawa terdapat premis hiburan yang dikesan beroperasi tanpa lesen.  Menurut Aniq, Ariffin telah mengarahkan pegawai MBM untuk lebih proaktif melakukan pemeriksaan tanpa menunggu sesuatu insiden berlaku terlebih dahulu. "Berbeza dengan dakwaan tindakan keras secara terus, MBM mengamalkan prosedur yang adil,"tegas Aniq.    Ariffin dipetik sebagai berkata, bagi pengusaha (termasuk perniagaan berasaskan rumah), tindakan kompaun tidak dikenakan serta-merta dan pihak berkuasa terlebih dahulu memberikan amaran dan tempoh masa untuk pengusaha mematuhi peraturan.  Tindakan tegas hanya diambil sekiranya mereka gagal patuh selepas tempoh tersebut. Ariffin telah dimaklumkan oleh pihak polis mengenai beberapa insiden salah laku dan MBM perlu lebih proaktif memeriksa premis tersebut, bukan hanya bertindak selepas sesuatu berlaku. Beliau mengingatkan orang ramai agar sentiasa menyemak kesahihan berita melalui saluran media arus perdana bagi mengelakkan kekeliruan. “Kami meminta pengendali portal media sosial untuk memberi pautan berita yang sahih sekiranya ada isu-isu berkaitan sebagai rujukan kepada pengikut,” tambahnya. 

MIRI: Mercure Miri City Centre has won the Environmental Award at the Miri Mayor’s Awards 2025, reinforcing its position as a leading advocate of sustainable hospitality in the city. The award was presented on Dec 7 at a ceremony attended by civic leaders, corporate representatives and environmental advocates. The hotel was represented by its general manager, Shan Ravendran and Sustainability manager, Sulaiman Khalid. The Environmental Award recognises organisations that have made significant contributions to reducing environmental impact while supporting Miri City Council’s vision of transforming the city into a Green, Smart and Most Liveable International Resort City. Mercure Miri City Centre was cited for its consistent efforts to integrate environmental responsibility into its operations within the tourism sector, without compromising service standards. The Mayor’s Awards are the highest civic honours conferred by the Miri City Council, aimed at acknowledging individuals and organisations that contribute meaningfully to the city’s long-term development goals. Earlier this year, Mercure Miri City Centre became the first hotel in Malaysia to receive the internationally recognised Green Key certification, an environmental standard awarded to tourism establishments that meet strict sustainability criteria. Shan said the Mayor’s Award was a strong endorsement of the hotel’s sustainability agenda and team commitment. “This recognition reflects the collective effort of our team to embed sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations. “Our initiatives are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 12, 13, 14 and 15 and they directly support the city council’s aspirations for Miri,” he said. Among the key initiatives highlighted were the elimination of single-use plastics across guest rooms and food and beverage outlets, the adoption of biodegradable and reusable alternatives and the installation of smart lighting and climate control systems to improve energy efficiency. The hotel has also implemented recycling programmes and food waste reduction strategies, which have positioned it as a benchmark for environmentally responsible hotel operations in Sarawak. In his address, Miri Mayor Adam Yii stressed the importance of private sector leadership in achieving sustainable development goals, noting that businesses play a critical role in driving environmental change at the local level. Mercure Miri City Centre was commended for demonstrating that environmental stewardship and commercial viability can be pursued simultaneously, setting an example for other players in the hospitality and tourism industry.

MIRI (Dec 20): The Miri City Council (MCC) has clarified that its existing discount scheme for parking compounds remain in effect, encouraging prompt payment rather offering seasonal discounts. Deputy Mayor Councillor Ariffin Mohamad said since 2018, MCC has implemented a staggered discount system to motivate timely settlement of fines. “Since April 1, 2018, a 50 per cent discount is granted for parking compounds paid within 14 days from the date of issuance,” he said during a press briefing after chairing a full council meeting yesterday. “Subsequently, effective May 1, 2018, an additional discount scheme was introduced, offering a lower payable amount for compounds settled within five days from the date of issuance, allowing offenders save up to 70 per cent.” He explained that the initiative meant to prevent the accumulation of unpaid penalties and is not a new policy, but a long-standing measure. “Therefore, the best way to avoid penalties is to comply with parking regulations,” he reminded, noting that full penalties apply after the 14-day grace period. The council earlier this year announced it would not offer further discounts on parking offences, and those failing to settle outstanding compounds may face legal action. Persistent defaulters may also have their details submitted to the Credit Tip-Off Service (CTOS).

MIRI (Dec 22): Sarawak must remain focused on charting its own development path and not be swayed by symbolic federal appointments, said Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Central Publicity and Information secretary Adam Yii. He said the appointment of two MPs from Pakatan Harapan Sarawak as deputy ministers should be viewed with caution, and that the move was driven more by political calculations than a genuine commitment to Sarawak’s long-term development. “While the appointments may appear to signal greater recognition of Sarawak’s voice at the federal level, a closer look at the broader political landscape suggests otherwise. “The move comes in the wake of Pakatan Harapan’s poor showing in a Sabah by-election, which has heightened concerns within the coalition over maintaining political stability in Sarawak ahead of the next state election. “The intention is clearly to create the impression that Sarawak is being valued, to pacify supporters, and to provide a political lifeline for Pakatan Harapan Sarawak,” he said in a statement yesterday. The Miri mayor stressed that Sarawakians must remain clear-eyed, and that Sarawak’s longstanding struggle has been for real authority and autonomy, including rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and greater decision-making over areas such as energy and education, as well as a fairer share of federal revenue. “Sarawak is now at a critical stage of development, with initiatives spanning the hydrogen economy, green industries, renewable energy, education autonomy, digital transformation, and rural infrastructure upgrades. “All these efforts are guided by the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, therefore we must shift focus from who the federal government appoints to what Sarawak truly needs,” he said. He said over the years, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has demonstrated political stability, effective execution, and long-term planning while federal political arrangements often change with circumstances and electoral considerations. “Sarawak has already proven that only by freeing itself from the push and pull of Peninsula politics can it maintain policy continuity, attract global investment and achieve meaningful economic transformation,” he said. Yii emphasised Sarawak’s future should not be measured by the number of federal positions held by Sarawkians, but by the collective determination to put Sarawak first. “Sarawak is already on the path of take-off. What we need now is the resolve to stay focused and continue moving forward on our own development trajectory,” he said.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from TVSarawak MIRI, 23 Dis: Perjalanan kerjaya seorang anak jati Miri, Shalby Reduan, kini membuka lembaran baharu apabila beliau dilantik sebagai Pengurus Besar Kanan PETRONAS Carigali Sarawak Asset (SKA), entiti strategik yang menggerakkan operasi luar pesisir di perairan Sarawak. Beliau berkata, minatnya terhadap industri minyak dan gas bermula sejak kecil, hasil pendedahan daripada kedua-dua belah keluarganya yang lama bekerja dalam sektor berkenaan. “Kerjaya ini memberi peluang untuk saya belajar dan membentuk diri menjadi individu yang saya patut jadi. Memang sejak dahulu lagi impian saya adalah untuk bekerja dalam industri minyak dan gas kerana keluarga saya dari sebelah ayah dan ibu semuanya dalam industri ini. Akhirnya saya sendiri jatuh cinta dengan bidang ini,” katanya kepada TVS hari ini. Anak bongsu daripada enam beradik itu memulakan kerjayanya di syarikat kontraktor WEHAYA sebelum menyertai Shell pada tahun 2002 sebagai Jurutera Instrumentasi, namun pendedahan kepada bahagian operasi mengubah hala tujunya. Beliau kemudiannya menyertai PETRONAS dan mula menonjol dalam bidang operasi sehingga memegang beberapa jawatan penting, termasuk mengetuai Upstream Logistics peringkat nasional. Pada tahun 2024, Shalby ditugaskan ke Sudan Selatan untuk menyelia proses keluar PETRONAS dari negara tersebut. “Kedengarannya mudah, tetapi hakikatnya tidak. Saya perlu memastikan operasi tetap berjalan lancar selepas kami keluar. Proses peralihan ini sangat penting dan memerlukan banyak perbincangan dengan pihak berkuasa tempatan dan rakan kongsi. Ia satu pencapaian besar apabila saya berjaya membawa keluar operasi kami dari Sudan Selatan dengan selamat,” ujarnya. Pengalaman itu memantapkan kepimpinan Shalby sebelum kembali ke Miri untuk menerajui SKA yang berpangkalan di Lutong, tempat lahirnya industri petroleum Malaysia. Pelantikan itu, katanya, adalah peluang untuk berkhidmat kepada negeri sendiri. “Saya rasa saya perlu lakukan lebih lagi kerana saya berasal dari Miri. Saya mahu tunjukkan kemampuan saya dan pada masa yang sama memberi kembali kepada komuniti, bukan sahaja kepada syarikat. “Saya belajar banyak dengan bertanya, memerhati dan memahami keputusan yang dibuat pemimpin kami. PETRONAS menggalakkan kita bertanya soalan, dan dari situlah saya banyak belajar,” tambahnya. Kini dengan lebih 20 tahun pengalaman, Shalby bertekad membawa SKA terus maju sebagai contoh operasi huluan terbaik PETRONAS, selain membimbing lebih ramai bakat tempatan untuk menerajui industri tenaga pada masa depan. Perjalanannya daripada seorang anak jati Miri yang membesar berhampiran tapak industri, kepada peneraju entiti strategik negara menjadi cerminan keupayaan dan dedikasi anak Sarawak dalam mengangkat industri minyak dan gas ke peringkat global.—TVS

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MBM) akan memperhebat usaha memantau premis yang mempunyai lesen berkaitan makanan, perdagangan, kesihatan dan hiburan melalui Bahagian Kesihatan Awam dan Perlesenan mulai tahun hadapan, bagi memastikan semua premis mematuhi peraturan majlis. Timbalan Datuk Bandar Kaunselor Ariffin Mohamad (gambar) berkata pemantauan itu dilakukan bagi menangani isu perlesenan secara proaktif di Miri. “Ini timbul selepas saya dimaklumkan oleh pihak polis mengenai beberapa insiden salah laku di premis hiburan di Miri. Semakan mendapati premis-premis tersebut tidak berlesen. “Sebagai pihak berkuasa tempatan, kita mungkin tidak mengetahui segala aktiviti yang berlaku, tetapi saya telah mengarahkan pegawai bertanggungjawab untuk lebih proaktif memeriksa premis ini, bukan hanya bertindak selepas sesuatu berlaku,” katanya selepas mempengerusikan Mesyuarat Ahli-Ahli Majlis MBM di Dewan Bandaraya Miri pada Jumaat. Beliau menambah, memastikan premis memohon lesen juga berupaya menjana hasil untuk majlis, di mana lebih banyak pemantauan dan tindakan, lebih tinggi pendapatan MBM. Selain itu, unit penguatkuasaan bahagian berkenaan juga akan melaksanakan lebih banyak Ops Pemutihan bagi menangani struktur haram atau pembangunan tidak terkawal di sekitar Miri. “Ramai pengusaha makanan berasaskan rumah mula muncul di kawasan perumahan. Biasanya tindakan hanya diambil selepas menerima aduan berkaitan gangguan bunyi atau kebersihan. “Namun, kita tidak terus mengenakan kompaun, sebaliknya memberi amaran dengan tempoh pematuhan. Mereka yang gagal mematuhi akan dikenakan tindakan tegas,” jelasnya. Amaran tersebut biasanya disertai nasihat kepada pengusaha untuk menukar penggunaan tanah, bagi melegalkan premis mereka untuk tujuan makanan dan minuman.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MBM) berbangga mengumumkan kejayaan Jawatankuasa Penduduk (JKP) Rondaan MBM yang telah dianugerahkan Anugerah Gangsa SMART Community Award 2025 anjuran Kementerian Kesihatan Awam, Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan Sarawak. Anugerah berprestij itu mengiktiraf peranan signifikan JKP Rondaan dalam memperkukuh keselamatan komuniti, memupuk kerjasama kejiranan serta mempromosikan amalan komuniti pintar di bandar raya ini. Pelbagai inisiatif rondaan dan penglibatan sukarelawan telah memberi impak positif dengan meningkatkan tahap keselamatan, keyakinan awam serta penyertaan aktif masyarakat setempat. MBM dalam kenyataan medianya hari ini merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada semua anggota rondaan serta sukarelawan atas dedikasi dan komitmen berterusan mereka. “Kejayaan ini diyakini akan terus menjadi pemangkin kepada kerjasama kukuh antara pihak berkuasa tempatan dan komuniti ke arah membina Miri yang lebih selamat, pintar dan mampan,” jelas kenyataan itu. Dalam perkembangan lain, MBM memaklumkan bahawa Miri City Hall Rooftop telah menerima seramai 843 pengunjung sepanjang Oktober 2025, namun mencatat sedikit penurunan berbanding bulan sebelumnya berikutan faktor cuaca yang kurang mengizinkan. Kemudahan awam itu kekal dibuka kepada orang ramai setiap hari, termasuk cuti umum, dari jam jam 5 petang hingga 7 malam. Seiring usaha mendekatkan pentadbiran dengan masyarakat, MBM turut memaklumkan bahawa Sesi Bertemu Pelanggan bulanan pertama bagi tahun 2026 akan diadakan pada Jumaat, 2 Januari 2026 dari jam 9 hingga 10 pagi di Pasar Besar Krokop 10. Orang ramai dijemput hadir bagi menyuarakan pandangan, aduan serta cadangan demi penambahbaikan perkhidmatan dan kesejahteraan komuniti di Miri.

This news in Bahasa Melayu is from Utusan Borneo Online MIRI: Miri Arts Festival 2025 (MAF'25) akan menampilkan 15 pengkarya seni dari Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei serta memberi tumpuan kepada seni etnik dan budaya dalam pelbagai bidang kesenian yang akan berlangsung di Stadium Bandaraya Miri pada 31 Disember ini hingga 4 Januari depan. Pengarah Media dan Komunikasi MAF 25 Zul BabaNoor berkata, antara pengkarya seni tersohor yang bakal memeriahkan MAF'25 ialah ikon dan pereka fesyen antarabangsa kelahiran Kuching Tom Abang Saufi, artis Orang Ulu Noel Belulok, artis Brunei Susannah Rogo Sitai Liew, artis Sabah Steward Fung Sai Weng, artis Sarawak Ashly Nandong, Dr Bell Su’ut, Nurafza Wasli, Hendick Nicholas, John Bosco Han Anderson Medan dan Jessica Landsay. Turut serta ialah artis tatu Kenarau termasuk Sylvester Juli, Yanto Ribut, Dom Tattoo, Atam dan Ancora. "Pada malam 31 Disember pula, MAF’25 menjadi kemuncak dalam sambutan tahun baharu 2026 dengan Konsert Mega Di Ambang Tahun Baharu menampilkan penyanyi Ayai Illusi," jelasnya. Bertemakan 'Identiti Kita, Sarawak Kita', MAF’25 menampilkan lima segmen kesenian iaitu seni visual/tampak, seni persembahan, pasar seni, bicara seni dan pertandingan seni. Aktiviti termasuk pameran seni visual, persembahan budaya dan kontemporari, jualan kraf serta produk seni tempatan, sesi perkongsian bersama penggiat seni dan tokoh budaya serta pelbagai pertandingan seperti tarian fusi, cabaran memasak Black Box Malaysia, showcase etnik Sarawak dan pertandingan mural serta fotografi. Diasaskan pada 2024, MAF’25 dianjurkan oleh Dewan Usahahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) Miri dengan kerjasama AX Events, Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia (MOTAC), Perbadanan Pelancongan Sarawak (STB) dan Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MBM). Orang ramai dijemput hadir beramai-ramai untuk mengambil peluang menyaksikan keindahan seni, suara budaya dan kreativiti pengkarya seni dari Sarawak, Sabah dan Brunei.

  MIRI (Dec 23): The Public Works Department Sarawak (JKR) intensified its road safety outreach ahead of the year-end and school holidays by distributing helmets and goodies bags to motorcyclists and motorists here. The initiative, led by Director Ir Datu Dr Cassidy Morris, saw 16 helmets and 170 goodie bags handed out during a road safety campaign at Petronas Miri By-pass near Eastwood Industrial area. According to JKR, the campaign aimed to remind road users to prioritise safety before embarking on long-distance travel during the holiday period, when traffic volume ― particularly along the Pan Borneo Highway ― is expected to increase significantly. Road users were advised to ensure their vehicles are in good condition by checking tyres, lights, wipers and brakes, while also being reminded to wear seat belts, observe speed limits and road signage, use P-turns correctly and avoid driving when fatigued. “These reminders form part of the Pandu Cermat, Sampei Pun Selamat message, encouraging motorists to adopt responsible driving habits to help reduce accident rates during the peak travel season,” JKR said in a statement. During the programme, Dr Cassidy also engaged with motorists to share safe driving tips, while reminding motorcyclists on the importance of wearing proper helmets and practising defensive riding. Also present were officials from the Miri District Police Headquarters, Road Transport Department of Miri branch and Pan Borneo Road maintenance service provider, PBH (Pan Borneo Highway) Asset Management. Dr Cassidy later presented tokens of appreciation to participating agencies, including Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Information Department, RTM Miri, Social Security Organisation (Socso), Petronas, Resident’s Office and Miri City Council (MCC), in recognition of their collaboration in promoting road safety.