BRIGHT FUTURE: Abang Johari (third left), his wife (second left), Lee (left) and others cut a fried fish as a symbolic gesture to close the 7th Miri International Dep Sea Fishing Competition.
MIRI: The Ministry of Tourism will intensify efforts to woo more tourists here as it has a long coastline vibrant with marine life and is also host to a number of international events.
Its minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said his office would also strive to secure more international air links to enhance the tourism industry, especially as a diving and fishing haven.
Closing the 7th Miri International Deep Sea Fishing Competition at Imperial Mall here on Sunday, Abang Johari noted that the competition had quite a sizeable following even though it had not been widely promoted outside Miri. It managed to attract anglers from as far as China, Holland, Germany, Hong Kong, Brunei, Singapore
and Peninsular Malaysia this year.
“I fully support this event. For next year, I will try to get a better budget for this event, particular for publicity efforts six months before the competition date.”
He added that he would also discuss with the new federal minister of tourism to tap the huge potential of this event.
Abang Johari told those present that Miri’s long coastline is home to rich marine life and this represented another plus point for its tourism industry.
“We have identified Luconia Reef and Beting Pantinggi Ali. These two locations are not only popular fishing ground but is also a good diving spot.
“Miri really have a good diving spot, which is comparable to Sipadan Island.”
Hence, he said plans were afoot to tie the diving attraction to the fishing tournament to show the world how the state had conserved its natural resources. “Miri will eventually be known worldwide as the city which has a lot of tourism activities, such as Borneo Jazz Festival and Borneo Yachting.
“Miri is really is a resort city made for tourism, and it is ideal for us to promote it.”
Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who was also present, said the fishing competition should be included in the Malaysian tourism calendar.
This would help put Miri on the world fishing map and attract more people to its shores.
It is understood that the 8th edition of the deep sea fishing competition would be held from May 15 to 18 next year. This year’s event a total of attracted 78 anglers.