MIRI: A Sarawak city council’s strategy to convert underutilised urban spaces into economic growth centres is being held up as a benchmark for local authorities across Malaysia, following a study visit by a senior district council delegation from Perak.
The Yang Dipertua of Gerik District Council, Mohamad Fitri Hassan, said Miri City Council (MCC) had demonstrated how focused urban planning could simultaneously strengthen small enterprises, improve city management and support sustainable development.
He said MCC’s approach ensured urban areas were actively used rather than left idle, with structured planning allowing economic activity to take place without compromising cleanliness, order or public convenience.
“This is a model that can be adapted by other local authorities, including Gerik District Council,” he said during an official visit to MCC’s Seasonal Fruit Sales Site at the former Pujut Corner Bus Terminal on Thursday.
Fitri said MCC’s record in managing urban development in a systematic and coordinated manner provided a practical framework for councils seeking to revitalise local economies while enhancing tourism offerings.
The visit formed part of a four-day programme by the Gerik District Council delegation to Miri aimed at exchanging best practices in local governance, urban management and tourism development.
As part of the visit, the delegation was introduced to experience-based tourism initiatives centred on Sarawak’s seasonal fruits, including local durian varieties such as pukak and isu, as well as rambutan and langsat.
Members of the delegation noted the distinct characteristics of Sarawak durians, which they described as sweeter and more varied than those typically found in Peninsular Malaysia, with pricing seen as accessible to visitors.
The Seasonal Fruit Sales Site was established by MCC as a dedicated trading zone under a centralised management system designed to ensure environmental hygiene, orderly stall layout and effective waste control.
MCC has announced plans to upgrade facilities at the site in stages, with the aim of positioning it as a comprehensive seasonal fruit hub that attracts more traders and visitors.
The initiative has strengthened local economic activity while reinforcing Miri’s appeal as a destination for experience-based tourism linked to food culture besides facilitating greater collaboration and policy exchange between local authorities in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
Also present were Miri Mayor and Pujut state assemblyman, Adam Yii Siew Sang, Deputy Mayor Ariffin Mohamad, and Gerik District Council Secretary, Ahmad Fazril Ramli.
