(Front, from sixth left) Yii and Ting join guests, volunteers and residents of the Home for the Aged in a photo call during the programme. MIRI (Sept 17): Love and positive values are key aspects in strengthening social cohesion, especially as communities face an array of modern-day challenges, said Miri mayor Adam Yii. The Pujut assemblyman said society’s progress should not be measured solely by infrastructure and modernisation, but by the spirit of compassion and humanity that binds people together and drives true progress. “While the community is increasingly threatened by scams, fraud, political instability, and global uncertainties, the warmth of human kindness and mutual care are needed now more than ever to overcome adversity,” he said. He was speaking at the ‘Love and Care’ programme held at the Miri Home for the Aged today in conjunction with the Mooncake Festival. Yii also praised event organiser Persatuan Prihatin Masyarakat Miri (PPMM) for inspiring youth involvement in social responsibility. From just five volunteers, he said the group has grown into a network of over 400 young individuals actively engaged in community welfare. He described them as “a positive force whose values and dedication have made a lasting impact here.” On the event, which was graced by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, the mayor said it showcased the importance of social responsibility in today’s world. “Such simple but heartfelt acts of service exemplify the spirit of unity and compassion needed to build a harmonious community,” he added. He further urged the public to cultivate both knowledge and moral values as a defence against rising scams and global uncertainties, calling on more citizens to participate in charitable and community-building activities. “I hope to see more of our people joining efforts like this to combat social issues, creating a safer and more caring society for all,” Yii said.

Jong (third left) hands over the invitation letter to Yii, as NSJA executive committee members look on. MIRI (Sept 18): The Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) will organise a beach cleaning programme themed ‘Sayangi Pantai, Sayangi Miri’ on Oct 12 at Miri Esplanade Beach. Organising chairman Andy Jong Wan Joon said the programme aims to preserve the cleanliness of Miri’s coastline while raising awareness on environmental care. “It is also to encourage the public to play their part in maintaining cleanliness, which in turn will help attract more visitors to Miri,” he said after paying a courtesy call on Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang on Tuesday to invite him to officiate at the event. Yii, who is also Pujut assemblyman, commended NSJA for its commitment to fostering a culture of cleanliness in line with Miri’s vision of becoming a green and smart city. “The campaign is not only about physically cleaning the beach but also about sending an important message to the people of Miri that all of us must play our part in keeping the environment clean. “The Miri City Council is the lead agency for this, but the task cannot be done effectively without the cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said. Among the agencies and organisations confirmed to participate are Fire and Rescue Department Sarawak Zone 6 Miri, Civil Defence Force Miri, Miri Hakka Association Youth Section, Thai Poo Association Miri Youth Section, Laksa Runner Club, and Lions Club of Lambir. Meanwhile, NSJA president Chai Chon Chin said the programme also seeks to highlight pollution caused by debris washed ashore during high tide and rough seas. “Our goal is to help clean the beaches so that tourists visiting Miri will leave with a positive impression of our environment,” he said, adding that the activity encourages collective involvement from the public and local organisations. Those interested in joining the Sayangi Pantai, Sayangi Miri Beach Cleaning 2.0 may contact Jong on 014-5902562 or Arles Huang Ung Key on 019-8857258 for registration.

MENYAMPAIKAN …Menteri Pengangkutan Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin menyampaikan cenderamata penghargaan kepada salah seorang penderma darah sempena Kempen Derma Darah 2025 di Miri hari ini. MIRI: Usaha meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat mengenai kepentingan menderma darah terus membuahkan hasil apabila Pusat Darah Hospital Miri merekodkan 8,424 pendaftaran sepanjang lapan bulan pertama tahun ini, dengan 6,633 orang berjaya tampil sebagai penderma. Menteri Pengangkutan yang juga Presiden Persatuan Hakka Miri, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, berkata daripada jumlah itu, 1,103 merupakan penderma baharu manakala 1,865 lagi merupakan penderma tertangguh. “Data ini menunjukkan sambutan yang amat menggalakkan. Saya berharap momentum ini dapat diteruskan untuk mencapai sasaran lebih 10,000 penderma pada 2025,” katanya semasa merasmikan Kempen Derma Darah 2025 anjuran Seksyen Pemuda Persatuan Hakka Miri, hari ini. Menurut beliau, statistik bulanan bagi tahun ini menunjukkan Februari mencatat jumlah penderma tertinggi dengan 953 orang, diikuti Julai (913) dan Mei (892). Bulan-bulan lain termasuk Januari (679), Mac (819), April (814), Jun (752) dan Ogos (811). Daripada keseluruhan penderma, 4,111 adalah lelaki dan 2,522 wanita. Lee turut menjelaskan bahawa Hospital Miri bukan sahaja menampung keperluan tempatan, malah turut membantu hospital-hospital lain di Bintulu, Limbang, Lawas, Sabah dan Semenanjung Malaysia, khususnya bagi bekalan darah jenis khas yang sukar diperoleh. “Ini mencerminkan semangat kasih sayang, perpaduan dan tanggungjawab warga Miri terhadap masyarakat luas. Nilai ini harus kita pertahankan,” tambah beliau. Lee turut memuji usaha berterusan Seksyen Belia Persatuan Hakka Miri yang telah menganjurkan kempen derma darah sejak 2008, dan kini memasuki tahun ke-17 penganjuran. Beliau menggalakkan penglibatan belia berusia 18 tahun ke atas sebagai penderma jangka panjang, dan menasihati golongan berusia lebih 60 tahun untuk menilai tahap kesihatan sebelum menderma. “Setiap beg darah adalah satu harapan baharu untuk pesakit. Inilah makna sebenar kasih sayang dan perpaduan yang ingin kita semai,” tegasnya. Kempen kali ini mencatatkan 103 pendaftaran, dengan 88 orang berjaya menderma. Lee menggesa lebih banyak pertubuhan, syarikat korporat dan Badan Bukan Kerajaan (NGO) agar berganding bahu dalam menyokong kempen derma darah untuk memastikan stok darah sentiasa mencukupi. “Saya berterima kasih atas sokongan masyarakat. Kita mahu memastikan tiada pesakit perlu bimbang tentang kekurangan darah ketika memerlukannya,” ujarnya. Turut hadir Datuk Bandar Majlis Bandaraya Miri, Adam Yii Siew Sang, Ketua Pemuda Seksyen Belia Persatuan Hakka Miri, Andy Jong Wan Joon, serta Pengerusi Pengelola, Chong Fuong Liang.

GAMBAR sekitar Festival Seni dan Sastera Kanak-Kanak Sarawak 2025  di Pustaka Miri selama dua hari bermula 13 September lalu.  MIRI: Penganjuran Festival Seni dan Sastera Kanak-Kanak Sarawak 2025 di Pustaka Miri selama dua hari bermula 13 September lalu mendapat sambutan menggalakkan apabila merekodkan seramai 4,636 pengunjung. Bertemakan ‘Memperkasa Kanak-Kanak ke Arah Masa Depan Lestari’, festival ini bertujuan memberi pendedahan awal kepada generasi muda mengenai Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDG) serta memupuk minat terhadap seni, sastera dan budaya sejak usia muda. Sambutan positif itu membuktikan keberkesanan festival ini sebagai platform mencungkil bakat, menyemai minat membaca, dan meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai SDG dalam kalangan kanak-kanak dan remaja. Menurut Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak, Datuk Rosey Yunus, dalam ucapan yang disampaikan oleh Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Pustaka Negeri, Salina Zawawi, tema festival dipilih berdasarkan keyakinan bahawa kanak-kanak merupakan pewaris masa depan yang perlu diberi peluang berkembang melalui kreativiti, ilmu pengetahuan dan nilai murni. GAMBAR sekitar Festival Seni dan Sastera Kanak-Kanak Sarawak 2025  di Pustaka Miri selama dua hari bermula 13 September lalu. “Melalui seni dan sastera, generasi muda dapat diasuh menjadi lebih kritis, inovatif serta prihatin terhadap isu alam sekitar dan masyarakat. “Malah, tema kali ini turut mengetengahkan elemen SDG seperti menjaga alam sekitar, mengamalkan gaya hidup sihat, menghargai kepelbagaian budaya dan membina nilai tanggungjawab sosial,” katanya. Festival itu menampilkan 13 ruang aktiviti termasuk Ruang Cerita, Ruang Budaya, Ruang Gastronomi, Ruang Sarawak Lestari, Ruang Deria, Ruang Persembahan selain tujuh pertandingan utama antaranya Bakat Luar Biasa 2.0, Menari Mengikut Rentak (Tarian Moden), Pidato, Nyanyian Patriotik Si Cilik, serta Pertandingan Peragaan Kitar Semula. Lebih menarik, festival ini turut menampilkan pencerita antarabangsa seperti Michael Patterson dari Australia, Johnny Gillett dari United Kingdom dan Ariyo Zidni dari Indonesia yang berjaya mencuri perhatian kanak-kanak dengan kisah penuh imaginasi, nilai dan pengajaran daripada pelbagai budaya. Penganjuran kali ini turut mendapat kerjasama lebih 40 rakan pintar daripada pelbagai agensi kerajaan, swasta, persatuan dan individu, termasuk Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MBM), Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM), Kementerian Pendidikan, Kolej Vokasional Miri dan Sedidik Sarawak. Untuk maklumat lanjut, orang ramai boleh menghubungi talian 085-422 525, melayari laman sesawang www.pustaka-sarawak.com, atau mengikuti saluran media sosial rasmi Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri.

Lee welcomes Anwar upon his arrival at Miri Airport. MIRI (Sept 11): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived here at noon for his two-day visit to Sarawak. Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin led the welcoming party, which included Deputy Minister in Premier’s Department Datuk Gerawat Gala, Miri mayor Adam Yii, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, and Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau. Following a thanksgiving prayer at the terminal building, Anwar flew to Nanga Medamit in Limbang to launch the second phase of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR 2) project. The SSLR is a game-changing lifeline designed to connect remote regions, empower communities, and stimulate inclusive growth, with the ongoing first phase involving the construction of a 75.6km stretch from Lawas to the Long Lopeng junction costing RM1.02 billion. The SSLR2 involves the construction of over 335km of new roads traversing the Sarawak-Sabah border based on a design-and-build model. It is divided into four main packages, complete with more than 30 bridges and viaducts. Valued at RM7.6 billion, this phase is scheduled for completion by June 2029 and promises to redefine regional connectivity in Malaysian Borneo.

(From sixth left) Ariffin, Yii, Abdul Rahman and Elvin in a photocall after the press conference. MIRI (Sept 13): The 19th Borneo Jazz Festival, themed ‘Jazzy Miri’, will return this Oct 31 at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, promising three days of world-class music, culture and community celebration. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Mayor Adam Yii said the international event would once again highlight Miri’s vibrant music scene and showcase its growing creative industry. “This year promises to be one of the most exciting editions of Borneo Jazz yet,” he said. Organised for the second consecutive year by Miri City Council (MCC) after taking over from the Sarawak Tourism Board, the festival will be curated and managed by Miri Event & Decor Specialist, a team comprised entirely of local talents. “This shows the incredible capacity and expertise we have within our community to produce an event of international scale. “It is also a testament to the growing creative industry in Miri, where our local professionals can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the region,” Yii said. This year’s line-up features celebrated names such as Aina Abdul, Aisya Retno, Amsyar Lee, Jaz Hayat, NonaRia, Tabitha King, On The Rug, Aruel Ariel & Fasola, Pop n Bop, and The Echoes. The festival will be hosted by Mister International 2023 Kim Goodburn and Miss Grand International 2024 Top 5 finalist Melisha Lin. Yii extended an invitation to music lovers from Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and beyond to join the festivities in Miri. Tickets are available online via www.iLassoTickets.com/borneojazzfestival. Also present at the press conference were Deputy Mayor Ariffin Mohamad, acting MCC secretary Abdul Rahman Taupek and Miri Events & Decor Specialist representative Elvin George.

ADAM Yii says all authorities needed to tackle such issue. KUCHING: Miri City Council (MCC) will continue to step up enforcement against illegal money-lending advertisements while working with other agencies to combat the growing problem, said Mayor Adam Yii. When contacted by Utusan Sarawak, Yii stressed that the council’s ongoing operations to remove posters, placards and banners from public places are not just one-off exercises, but a routine programme. “Under the Advertisement By-Laws, MCC does not permit the display of such illegal advertisements. We also act under the Cleanliness By-Laws, as these unwanted materials bring negative social and economic impacts, create an untidy city environment, and in some cases cause traffic obstruction and safety risks to road users,” Yii said. He added that the council is cooperating with enforcement authorities directly tackling unlicensed moneylenders, providing them with information such as mobile numbers obtained during operations. “Illegal moneylending and unlicensed gambling have destroyed the wellbeing of many families across Malaysia. Tackling this requires concerted efforts from all relevant authorities, from local councils to federal agencies like MCMC and the police,” Yii explained. He also pointed out that the problem is not unique to Miri. “These social ills are happening in all major towns in Malaysia, including Penang and Selangor. It is pointless for certain quarters to politicise the matter and single out local authorities as the cause,” he said. Yii urged federal lawmakers and ministers to play their part in strengthening legislation to curb the proliferation of illegal moneylending and other related activities. With consorted effort, only then can we really tackle the issue, he added. 

MIRI (Sept 6): Motorists using Jalan Airport here are advised to take extra care as landscaping works will be carried out along the stretch from today till Sept 9. The Miri City Council (MCC) in a notice yesterday said the works will involve a temporary closure of half of the carriageway to ensure the project can be carried out safely. “The public is advised to exercise caution when approaching the affected areas, adhere to traffic signage, and follow all traffic management instructions for everyone’s safety,” it said. The council apologised for any inconvenience caused during the period and thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation. The landscaping project is part of MCC’s ongoing effort to improve the city’s road environment and safety for all users.

THE ORIGINAL NEWS IS IN MALAY LANGUAGE FROM UTUSAN BORNEO NEWSPAPER Aplikasi mudah alih yang menawarkan pelbagai perkhidmatan oleh majlis tempatan untuk kemudahan awam. MIRI: Majlis Bandaraya Miri (MBM) menggalakkan orang ramai untuk memuat turun aplikasi mudah alih ‘Sarawak Smart City’ bagi membolehkan mereka menikmati perkhidmatan yang ditawarkan oleh pohak majlis. Di bawah aplikasi tersebut, pelbagai perkhidmatan disenaraikan seperti Smart Truck, Smart Bus, Smart Drain, Miri Cares, Safe City & Safe Park, Miri Tourism, Digital Signages, Borneo Parking System dan e-Local Authority 2(eLA2) yang boleh diakses dengan mudah oleh orang ramai. Datuk Bandar Miri, Adam Yii, menjelaskan bahawa aplikasi mudah alih itu merupakan inisiatif yang ditawarkan oleh pihak majlis untuk digunakan bagi memudahkan kehidupan. “Inisiatif Miri Smart City Proof of Concept (POC) telah dimulakan pada September 2019 dengan perbincangan awal pertama diadakan pada 13 September 2019, di antara MBM dan Sarawak Informaiton Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) dan telah dilancarkan oleh Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg pada 12 April 2021. “Sejak itu, MBM dengan kerjasama Institut Teknologi Sains dan Riam (RiamTech) telah menganjurkan aktiviti promosi untuk menggalakkan orang ramai memuat turun aplikasi mudah alih ‘Sarawak Smart City’ sama ada dari Google, Apple ataupun Huawei,” kata Yii dalam kenyataannya di sini, hari ini.   Logo aplikasi Sarawak Smart City. Beliau yang juga ADUN Pujut berkata, aplikasi Smart Drain, pula membolehkan penduduk memantau paras air, kadar aliran yang memberikan makluman masa nyata sebelum banjir berlaku dan mencari pusat pemindahan banjir untuk kesiapsiagaan banjir yang lebih baik. “Pada masa ini penderia IoT (Internet of Things) telah dipasang di lima lokasi iaitu MCOT (Miri Crude Oil Terminal) Lutong; Jambatan Piasau, Padang Kerbau, Sungai Dalam dan Taman Tunku,” katanya, sambil menambah,  memandangkan kawasan ini merupakan kawasan yang sering dilanda banjir. Manakala applikasi Smart Truck (Trak Pintar), jelasnya, membolehkan orang ramai dalam zon kutipan tertentu mengetahui jadual kutipan sampah di kawasan mereka.  Selain itu, orang ramai akan dapat melihat anggaran masa ketibaan lori sampah di kawasan mereka. Pemberitahuan juga akan dihantar kepada pengguna semasa hari pengumpulan. Kamera papan pemuka dipasang di dalam lori bagi memantau penempatan tong sampah oleh penduduk semasa aktiviti mengutip sampah. Pergerakan trak akan direkodkan. Tarikh kutipan kemudiannya akan digunakan untuk merancang kekerapan dan kawasan kutipan sisa yang dioptimumkan. Prestasi kontraktor kutipan sisa akan dinilai dengan tepat juga, melalui aplikasi. Manakala di bawah inisiatif Safe City & Safe Park, Yii berkata, sebanyak 147 unit kamera litar tertutup (CCTV) pintar dan 27 unit butang panik SOS telah dipasang di beberapa taman awam bagi meningkatkan keselamatan awam dan tindak balas kecemasan. Taman-taman tersebut ialah Taman Awam Miri, Kipas Bandar Miri, Taman Bulatan dan Wireless Walk. Rakaman CCTV dan butang panik SOS dipantau oleh Pusat Arahan Bandar Pintar Miri (MSCCC) di bawah majlis itu. Bagi e-Local Authority 2 (eLA2), tambahnya, ia membantu memperkemaskan penyampaian perkhidmatan awam dan menambah baik pemprosesan perniagaan majlis tempatan dengan menggunakan mekanisme e-dagang dan e-pembayaran untuk orang ramai membayar bil taksiran, caj tempat letak kereta, yuran lesen dan caj lain yang dikenakan oleh pihak majlis ada perkhidmatan dalam talian seperti e-booking (untuk menempah kemudahan majlis), e-submission (untuk menghantar pelan bangunan) dan lain-lain. Bagi meningkatkan interaksi dengan orang ramai, Miri Cares ialah aplikasi yang membolehkan orang ramai berinteraksi dan memberi maklum balas untuk menambah baik pemantauan dan penyelesaian kes MCC. “Orang ramai boleh berkomunikasi dengan MSCCC kami dengan menghantar maklumat atau maklum balas menggunakan e-mel (mscc@miricouncil.gov.my), aplikasi WhatsApp (019214 4600) atau menghubungi 085-424 600 dan bercakap dengan ejen MSCCC yang beroperasi 24 jam, tujuh hari minggu,” tambahnya lagi. Aplikasi mudah alih yang menawarkan pelbagai perkhidmatan oleh majlis tempatan untuk kemudahan awam.