(From left) Helena, Roland Tan, Yii, Soh, Ting, Florence, Karambir and Ernest Goh during the book launch.
MIRI: The much anticipated, ‘Miri, Then and Now’, has finally hit the shelves of major book stores after four months of preparation and editorial work – the first of its kind, for Miri city.
Supported by Miri City Council (MCC), the book produced by the Society of English Writers Northern Zone (Soswe) on a voluntary basis, aims to provide information to the younger generation on how Miri has evolved over the years.
Launching the book yesterday, was Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting and Mayor Adam Yii who both lauded the book as a great effort in promoting Miri and giving a better understanding of Miri.
“In a way, it documented Miri, a city with so much historical value and tourist attractions and its many progress and development, so that it would not be forgotten,” said Ting.
Ting had contributed to the cost of publishing the book. So far, one-thousand copies of the book are available at RM20 per copy.
The book’s editor, Jennie Soh revealed that the book was first initiated by Roland Tan, a Mirian and director of Boulevard Shopping Mall (Miri), who had approached Soswe to put on record the development of Miri in the past 20-over years.
“This book is a compilation of articles on Miri inspired by Vision 2020 which focuses on turning Miri into a strategic tourist destination,” said Soh.
Citing Samling Corporation as a major player in the development of present day Miri, the new township ‘Marina Parkcity’ has played an important role in providing business and employment opportunities and in the development of areas around Miri, particularly its shoreline.
The book contains diverse information collected by the Miri Task Force from various sources, including interviews, anecdotes shared by locals and published materials.
“It is my hope that this book, an apt and timely publication for Visit Miri 2018, will benefit tourism in Miri and provide a better understanding of the history and growth of Miri.”
Also present at the book launch yesterday were Soswe president Florence Enau, Soswe treasurer Helena Henry Lajang and councillors Karambir Singh and Ernest Goh.
The 73-page book comprises the old landmark that was once the pride and identity of Miri and a side-by-side photos of new landmarks, historical sites, information for food hunts as well as articles authored by locals and members of Soswe reminiscing Miri’s past and present.
Those who are interested to purchase or learn more about the book, email to [email protected] or [email protected].