Yong accepts challenge to promote Miri’s tourism industry
MIRI: Businessman Yong Tiing Hieng is helping to promote and market Miri as a tourist and filming destination in the region.
Yong, chairman of Global China Film ( Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, is going to do it through a feature film with a China production house. The movie with a love theme will be shot here with local talent as the main characters.
“As a Miri-born and bred, I accept Assistant Minister for Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin’s challenge to come up with a creative and innovative way to promote and market Miri as a tourist destination in the region.
During a courtesy call on him by a group of businessmen from China yesterday, he suggested that a feature film be shot here using local talent.
Yong accepted the challenge to have a joint venture with a China- based production house to produce a film yet to be named.
“I love Miri and I want to see it grow as a resort city and a great tourist destination. Sarawak has a lot to offer tourists. Although we are culturally diverse with many unspoilt and untouched natural setting, Miri is still years behind in the tourism industry,” he said.
Yong also urged the state government and the private sector to help in developing the (tourism) industry.
“We are blessed with Unesco World Heritage Site Mulu but the access is still limited. Many tourists will be able to visit Mulu if there is direct and easy access, which at the moment is by river and plane.
“Tourists fly to Mulu at the mercy of Mother Nature. Bad weather will cause tourists to be stranded… unable to fly in or out ofMulu,” said Yong.
The other option is by boat which is time- consuming.
“The government should consider building a road to Mulu. And I believe many tourists will come and admire the natural wonders in Mulu if they can go there with ease.”
He also suggested that more facilities and amenities be made available along beaches here.
“Beaches have huge potential to attract visitors and tourists to escape the hustle and bustle of city life if they are well equipped with features such as accommodation, entertainment, dining facilities and shops,” he added.