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Miri is a
city in northern Sarawak,
Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is the second largest city in Sarawak
and located in close proximity to
Brunei. It is
the government administrative centre of Miri District in Miri Division.
Miri is the birthplace of Sarawak's
and Malaysia's petroleum industry, which remains the major industry of the
city.
The city's other major industries include processed timber, oil palm
production, and tourism. Miri is the main tourist gateway for Gunung Mulu
National Park, Loagan Bunut National Park, Lambir National Park, Niah
National Park and Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park.
The world
famous Gunung Mulu National Park with its Sarawak Chamber, a half an hour
flight from the city, is one of the favourite eco-tourism destinations.
Miri has lately become known for its exotic coral reefs.
Miri's
population consists of Iban, Chinese, Malay (consists of original Malay,
adopted of Jati Miriek, Daleik and Bakong people), Kedayan, Berawan, Lun
Bawang / Lun Dayeh, Melanau, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Bidayuh, Penan,
Indian, a handful of Eurasians and other indigenous groups .
Many religions are also represented in Miri, including tribal religions,
Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Bahá'í Faith.
Miri mainly
relies on its oil and gas industry, which contributes significantly to the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Sarawak.
Sarawak Shell Berhad and Petronas Carigali have their headquarters based
in Miri. The city is also home to numerous local and multinational oil and
gas companies, including Nippon Oil, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes,
Halliburton, Technip, Ranhill WorleyParsons and Petra Resources and many
others. The oil and gas industry not only infuses money into the economy,
but also brings in expatriates from various countries.
Tourism is another important focus of the economy. Miri has a diverse
ecology and a myriad of flora and fauna species. Four national parks and a
marine national park are all located near Miri. Thus, it is often seen as
a hub for ecotourism and a draw for nature enthusiasts.
The oil palm business is also a major industry in Miri, with vast oil palm
plantation estates dotting the outskirts of Miri.
Many shipbuilding companies have also set up major shipyards in Miri,
especially in the Kuala Baram industrial area along the mighty Baram
river.
Miri is also a shopping destination for the neighbouring country of
Brunei, as
well as nearby smaller towns like Bintulu and
Limbang.
Miri is
accessible by road from Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei)
and all major cities and towns in Sarawak
and Sabah by the Pan Borneo Highway.
Miri Airport (IATA: MYY, ICAO: WBGR) has the capacity to handle two
million passengers annually. It is one of Malaysia's top five busiest
airports. The airport, located close to the border of
Brunei, is an
important gateway to the Northern Region of Sarawak
and serves as a hub for interior air services.
Sources:
Wikipedia
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