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Pride, anticipation as Mirians welcome Sarawak Day celebration
The Sarawak and Malaysian flags hoisted around Miri Stadium in preparation for the state-level Sarawak Day celebration.
MIRI (July 22): Miri city proudly takes centrestage this year as the host of the state-level Sarawak Day celebration, marking 62 years since Sarawak attained self-governance from British colonial rule on July 22, 1963.
This year's celebration holds special significance for Miri, a city that has undergone remarkable transformation since Sarawak's early years of independence.
Thousands are expected to take part in the festivities, including state dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the public from across the state.
The occasion offers Sarawakians a moment to reflect on their shared journey and aspirations for a united and prosperous future.
Often referred to as the birthplace of Malaysia's petroleum industry, Miri's development was initially driven by the discovery of oil in 1910.
However, it was after Sarawak gained self-rule in 1963 that the city began to evolve rapidly, transitioning from a frontier town into one of the state's key urban and economic centres.
For those who lived through the early years, the changes are nothing short of extraordinary.
Temenggong Boniface Bada
Newly-appointed Iban Temenggong for Miri Division, Boniface Bada, recalled how far the city has come since his younger days.
'Miri is my hometown. I come from Suai Niah, about 120 kilometres from the city,' he shared.
'I started working in Miri in 1983, and remained here until 1986. That same year, I resigned from my job and returned to my village to take on the role of village chief in Sungai Singak, Tanjong Baru, Suai, replacing my brother-in-law Wilson Atong, who was then promoted to Penghulu.'
Boniface served in that position from 1986 until his official appointment as Temenggong for Miri Division on July 11, 2025.
He recalled how vastly different Miri was in the 1980s.
'There were no proper roads. The main hospital was located across the river where Marina Bay is now at, and people had to use a ferry to get across,' he said.
'There were no flyovers or dual carriageways at the time and infrastructure was very limited. No big malls, no five-star hotels, not even many traffic lights.'
He added that those who were born in the 2000s may not be able to picture what Miri looked like back then.
'The changes today are remarkable. Miri now has flyovers, Marina Bay, Times Square commercial centre, Pelita commercial centre, the Pan Borneo Highway, and improved connectivity with Brunei through the ASEAN Bridge.'
Boniface also said areas like Sepupok bazaar in Niah, once small and quiet, are now rapidly growing due to better road access and commercial activity.
'In the past, we relied on express boats to reach Marudi or Beluru. Now, we have tar-sealed roads to Marudi, and a new road is still under construction.
'Rural areas still face some challenges, but at least we can travel by road now,' he added.
The Temenggong also highlighted the rapid growth of industries in the Miri division, from the long-established presence of oil and gas giants such as Shell and Petronas to the expansion of oil palm estates by both smallholders and large corporations.
'Miri has also become a food and tourism hub, especially for visitors from nearby regions such as Brunei. Restaurants here serve a variety of cuisines and the city is now a preferred destination for weekend getaways and holidays,' he added.
Boniface said the growth of Miri from a modest town into a vibrant division is something to be proud of.
'This city has come a long way and I am grateful to have witnessed its transformation, from the time I was a student in the late 1970s, through my working years in the 1980s, and now, as we celebrate Sarawak Day in 2025 here,' he said.
Kapitan Jong Wei Ming
Echoing Boniface's sentiments, Kapitan Jong Wei Ming noted that Miri has diversified beyond the oil and gas sector over the last few decades.
He said Miri is fast becoming a tourism hub and contributes significantly to visitor arrivals to Sarawak, especially via the Sungai Tujoh Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) border from Brunei.
In terms of populations, Miri had grown from just over 52,000 in 1980 to more than 400,000 in 2025, making it the second-largest city in Sarawak.
'This growth is a reflection of its expanding infrastructure and strategic role as a gateway to Borneo's interior, including national parks such as the Mulu National Park and Niah National Park and highland areas within the division,' he added.
Jong highlighted the importance of Sarawak Day, noting that the date holds historical value as it commemorates the state's achievement of self-governance in 1963 – a key milestone before its inclusion in the Federation of Malaysia later that year.
'Sarawak Day is not just a holiday. It's a time to reflect on our past, celebrate our achievements, and commit to unity and progress. It is a meaningful day for all Sarawakians.'
Jong also stressed the need to preserve unity, harmony and, cultural identity while prioritising education for the state's continued development, urging every Sarawakian to understand their state's history and her journey towards independence and learn from it.
Temenggong Yong Vui Seng
Meanwhile, Temenggong Yong Vui Seng expressed pride in seeing Miri being entrusted as the host for the state level celebration this year.
'After gaining independence from British Colonial Rule, Sarawak agreed to form Malaysia together with The Federation of Malay Union and Sabah, based on 21 clauses of Malaysia Agreement 1963.
'As Sarawakians we must fully support the Sarawak government led by Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg so that we can regain the autonomy that belongs to Sarawak,' he said. Boniface Bada Jong Wei Ming sarawak day Sarawak development Yong Vui Seng
