Miri wins ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award

MIRI: Miri City Council (MCC) has won the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award 2026, recognising the city’s efforts to maintain a clean, safe and sustainable environment for residents and visitors.

The award was presented by Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot to MCC Tourism and Business Events Development Standing Committee chairman Sean Huang at a ceremony in Putrajaya on Thursday.

Miri was among 12 local authorities in Malaysia recognised under the ASEAN tourism standard for 2026.

The recognition reflects collective efforts by MCC, government agencies, tourism industry players, private-sector partners and the local community to uphold standards in urban cleanliness, environmental management, public safety, tourism facilities, infrastructure, public health and sustainable tourism practices.

MCC said preparations for the assessment involved inter-agency coordination, information sharing and evaluation sessions, with contributions from various government departments and industry stakeholders.

These included the Sarawak Tourism Board, Public Works Department, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Natural Resources and Environment Board, Miri Divisional Health Office, Royal Malaysia Police, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysia Airports and representatives of the hospitality industry.

Miri serves as a gateway to northern Sarawak and a base for visitors exploring the state’s natural attractions, including Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The city’s tourism and business events sectors also depend on the quality of its public spaces, infrastructure, safety and visitor services.

MCC said it remained committed to improving urban cleanliness, environmental sustainability, public amenities, infrastructure maintenance, accessibility and service quality for residents and visitors.