Delegation from Ipoh impressed by Miri City
MIRI: From being an oil and gas hub to tourism city, Miri has come a long way since its elevation to city status in 2005.
In a way, Miri has become a role model for other cities in the country, said Ipoh City Council’s councillor Mohamad Annuar Baharudin.
It was for that reason, he added, that they brought along an entourage of 19 people on a study tour to Miri City.
“Ipoh town came into being because of the tin mine industry. Following the drop in the price of tin ore, the economy in Ipoh appeared to slow down a lot and this was not a good sign for Ipoh and the people,” said Mohamad Annuar who headed the entourage.
Thus, there was a transformation from tin mine industry to agriculture and tourism industry, he said yesterday.
“Today, Ipoh has a population of 900,000 people, slightly lower than its earlier population of one million. Now, Ipoh is one of the ‘must-visit’ cities in the country and is widely known amongst visitors and foreign tourists due to its places of interest and local delicacies.”
However, more could be done to improve Ipoh City, he added.
Mohamad Annuar and the entourage were given a warm welcome on their arrival by Miri City Council staff led by deputy mayor Julaihi Mohammad.
“I am delighted that being a young city, Miri City is very much well- known amongst the city councils and municipal councils in the country. Though Miri has developed from a small fishing village to the city it has become today, we strongly believe that through the meeting with Ipoh City Council delegates we could share and exchange knowledge to make our cities better,” Julaihi said in his address at the meeting.
He added that Miri City had more potential for development due its bigger size than Ipoh.
“However, Miri City Council is expecting about a five per cent drop in assessment fee collection due to the slow economy. Thus, we are facing a deficit in the city council’s income.
“Even so, we are looking at the bright side and hopefully the economy will be better in 2018.”
The three- hour meeting held at Miri City Council’s meeting room was a fruitful one for both Ipoh City Council and Miri City Council.
After the meeting, the entourage was brought on a tour around Miri City. They are expected to proceed to Brunei today.