MIRI – Development in Miri towards 2030 should create wider economic opportunities while improving the quality of life for residents, according to Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
The Piasau assemblyman said economic growth should be accompanied by opportunities for young people, greater security for families and continued support for the wider community.
âDevelopment must be people-centric. Prosperity is more meaningful when the youth have opportunities, families have security, the elderly receive care, the community remains united, and no one is left behind as Sarawak continues to grow,â he said.
Ting was speaking at the MEC Mission and Evangelism Food Sales Fundraising Day held at the Malaysia Evangelical Theological Seminary (METS) here on Saturday.
He said tourism was among the sectors that could provide additional income opportunities for residents as Miri and Sarawak continued to develop.
According to Ting, local communities could benefit from tourism-related activities ranging from food businesses and transportation services to homestays, handicrafts, performances and the production of locally made goods.
He also highlighted the importance of preparing young people with skills relevant to emerging opportunities. Areas he identified included technology, tourism, hospitality, the creative industry and entrepreneurship.
Ting said developing these skills could help young people participate in economic activities associated with the growth of the local economy.
At the same time, he stressed that economic development should not be considered separately from environmental protection and the preservation of cultural heritage.
He said both the natural environment and cultural heritage should be safeguarded as assets for future generations, alongside efforts to expand economic activity and improve living standards.
The emphasis on community participation comes as Miri continues to pursue development towards 2030, with local economic opportunities forming part of the broader discussion on how growth can benefit residents.
Ting’s remarks also placed attention on the role of tourism in connecting economic development with businesses and services operated by local communities.
Small businesses involved in food, transport, accommodation, handicrafts and cultural performances can participate in the tourism supply chain, potentially creating opportunities for different groups within the community.
During the event, Ting and Miri Mayor and Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang visited the charity sales stalls.
Their visit was held in support of the vendors participating in the fundraising event, which brought together community members and businesses at the seminary.
The event also provided an opportunity for local participation through the charity sales activities, alongside the broader focus on community welfare and development.
Ting said the benefits of development should extend across different sections of society, with attention given to employment opportunities for young people, support for families, care for senior citizens and maintaining community cohesion.
He also reiterated the importance of balancing economic activity with environmental and cultural considerations as Miri plans for its development in the years ahead.
