Dr Sundaran (front row, second right) and others being briefed by Lee (fourth left) on the proposed UTC for Miri.
MIRI: A full-fledged Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) has been proposed for Miri to serve people in northern Sarawak and neighbouring Brunei following successful implementation in Kuching.
Communications Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the government had agreed in principal to his proposal for the centre to be set up at Miri City Council’s (MCC) One-Stop Centre on the ground and first floor of its multi-storey carpark.
“It’s a very central and convenient location as the carpark is just above the centre. It has good security as it is located next to Miri Central Police Station.
“I have briefed the UTC Team, headed by Datuk Dr Sundaran Annamalai, the Deputy Secretary General of the Federal Treasury, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur at Miri City Council yesterday (June 17) and they agreed to it,” Lee informed reporters yesterday.
He said being the northern gateway to Sarawak, Miri city is the most strategic location for the Regional UTC serving Miri, Marudi, Baram, Bintulu, Bekenu, Bario, Long Lama, Niah, Sibuti, Limbang and Lawas.
“It will also be able to serve Malaysians working in Brunei who can come to Miri for various local, state and Federal Government services outside normal working hours and on Saturdays and Sundays.
“It will provide the public with frequently sought after government and agency services outside normal working hours such as renewal of driving licences, road tax, bill payment, passport application and renewal, issuance of identity cards and postal services,” he said.
Lee who is also assemblyman for Senadin said as the tourism industry played an increasing important role in Miri’s economic development, the UTC would allow tourists to access services outside working hours. Foreigners working in the oil and gas industry in Miri and in Sarawak Corridor of Renewal Energy (SCORE) areas in Bintulu will also have access to the services.
“Therefore, there is justification for a full regional UTC to be set up in Miri, hopefully to be realised by end of this year or early next year.
UTC is a government initiative with a one-stop centre concept for the urban community to enjoy the convenience of faster service by key government, private sector and non-governmental establishments.
It operates from 8am to 9pm daily except during public holidays.
Other services proposed for the UTC Miri are childcare centre, youth centre, tourist counters, 1Malaysia Clinic, cafeteria and bank services.