Stop privatising recreational sites, says Miri PKR Youth
MIRI: The issue of marginalising recreational sites here cannot be ignored in order for Miri to better position itself as a resort city.
According to Miri Parti Keadilan Rakyat ( PKR) Youth chief Steve Teo, recreational sites and activities are needed for a better and healthier city.
He told The Borneo Post yesterday that he has been receiving many complaints from both locals and tourists saying that Miri has very few or almost no public places to be explored as compared to several years ago.
“The youth are very concerned about the local tourism and recreational industries and they hope that the state authorities can reserve lands for public use and collaborate with the tourism ministry of the federal government, in order to uplift Miri’s tourism image,” said Teo.
Teo was met at the Miri Central police station yesterday after lodging a police report demanding investigation on the privatisation of Lutong Beach including the old airport area, as it has been observed that part of the land had been blocked and road digging and the site was being cleared.
He said that he has been informed by a friend on the digging activity at the area but did not know who was behind the activity.
“I am requesting for information whether the land had become property of a particular party. I would also like to know if there has been any irregularity in the change of ownership of the land,” he stated.
Teo said previously, the area has been used as a place to carry out various recreational activities.
“But after being informed of the road- digging activities, I want to know what the status of the area is. As Miri PKR Youth chief, I am lodging this police report to obtain the status of the land as well as reference to the Land and Survey Department and the relevant authorities,” he added.
Teo reiterated that the issue of privatisation of the land had been raised publicly many times including by Miri MP Dr Michael Teo.
However, only vague replies were given by the state authorities, including comments and replies from Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, said Teo.
He said the state authorities should clarify the issue as public interest should not be compromised by the sales or transfer of the land.
“Where can our youths go for recreational activities when more public land are being privatised,” he asked.
Also joining him in making the police report were members of PKR Miri and two local motorcycle clubs, Dayak Bikers Motorcycle Club and Miri Riders Motorcycle Club.