MIRI: Miri may be a step closer to hosting the first large-scale regional water theme park in northern Borneo following a high-level courtesy call between a China-based cultural tourism operator and the city’s leadership, facilitated by Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd.
The meeting, held at the Mayor’s Office on Monday (Feb 2), brought together representatives of Thinker Cultural Tourism Operator Water Theme Parks from China and the TAK Group of Companies with Miri City Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang.
The engagement focused on assessing Miri’s readiness for a major leisure and tourism investment, with Kenyalang Smart City (KSC) identified as a potential site.
Yii said the discussions were constructive and informative, noting that the delegation represented a sizeable operator with extensive experience in China.
“They are a big group with major operations in China. We provided them with a briefing on Miri, and they indicated that Miri is an interesting location with strong potential for a water theme park development,” he told reporters after the meeting.
Yii said the proposed project, if realised, would be the only water theme park of its kind in the region, positioning it as a regional draw rather than a purely local attraction.
“This will be a regional attraction. Within a two-hour driving radius, Miri already has a catchment of about one million people. With improved connectivity, it is conceivable that visitors could come from as far as Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and even across Borneo,” he said.
He added that the operator’s established international marketing and tourism networks, particularly in China, could significantly boost visitor arrivals and support the city’s broader economic development objectives.
The mayor said the delegation would now proceed with further site investigations and detailed evaluations before making any investment decision.
“We are hopeful they will find Miri suitable for the investment. They will conduct their own feasibility studies and assessments,” he said.
Yii also revealed that the preliminary concept discussed included an integrated development component, with plans for additional hotel capacity of up to 500 rooms to support the water theme park. He noted that such facilities could be expanded further, subject to demand and future growth.
Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd, which facilitated the engagement, described the meeting as an important first step in positioning Miri on the radar of reputable international investors in the cultural tourism and leisure sector.
The company reiterated its role as a bridge between global investors and local stakeholders, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, urban planning priorities and long-term sustainability goals.
The Chinese delegation comprised senior executives from Thinker Cultural Tourism Operator Water Theme Parks, including sales director Chang Yana and general managers Chen Weimin and Jiang Hepiang; and TAK Group vice-president and head of risk management Darren Tan and alongside project architect Aryton Kong.
Yii said the city council remained committed to supporting investments that deliver long-term economic and social value for Miri and its surrounding areas.
“If this project materialises, it will not only enhance Miri’s tourism offering but also stimulate growth in the surrounding areas. That is the outcome we are working towards,” he added.
