MIRI: There is an untapped tourism “goldmine” in Miri and Sarawak which can generate sizeable revenue in the form of foreign exchange from Brunei.

This untapped sector in Miri is the tourism nightlife that can generate income for local coffeeshops, restaurants, bars, hotels and other entertainment and service outlets.

Sarawak Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the nightlife industry in Miri was still untapped and undeveloped even though there was tremendous potential of foreign revenue involved.

He said this when visiting the Miri Tourism Corridor to watch the Borneo Got Talent guitar and music competition.

“Every weekend, we have tens of thousands of Bruneians coming to Miri from the Sultanate. They come not just for shopping and food but also for services and for entertainment.

“If we in Miri city can create a full-scale nightlife atmosphere that is exciting and vibrant, we can turn this nightlife into another tourism sub-industry.

“The border checkpoint at the Sarawak-Brunei boundary is open until midnight daily now.

“It takes one hour by road from Miri to get to the border. This means that those from Brunei can enjoy themselves here and head back to Brunei before midnight.

Lee (left) enjoying a drink and soaking in the night life at the Miri Tourism Corridor in the city centre.

“Those wanting to enjoy more can stay overnight in Miri.

“At the moment Miri’s nightlife is still limited.

“Miri residents need to have more lively entertainment on the streets like musical shows, singing contests, dance-performances and talent-competitions to attract the locals and foreigners,” he said.

The Borneo Got Talent guitar and music friendly competition was organised by Container City food outlet.

It offers local amateur musicians a platform to perform and showcase their talents.

Lee, who is Senadin assemblyman, said the state government and state tourism ministry have been urging the private sector to be more innovative and creative.

“We in the government and ministry can help with tourism policies and tourism promotion and marketing but as far as the day and night entertainment activities are concerned, the private sectors must take the lead.

“Hotels, restaurants, coffeeshops and eateries and even hawker centres can organise lively and vibrant shows. These entertainment shows must be healthy, wholesome and family-oriented,” he stressed.

Lee said he hoped to see youth groups in Miri also giving their input with regards to the activities they could organise for the city to enhance its tourism sector.