Lutong Bazaar, situated about 12km from the city centre here, will be transformed into a heritage site, Sarawak Tourism and Heritage Minister Dr George Chan said here today.
He said the development of the bazaar had been stagnant over the past two years, despite its proximity to the Sarawak Shell Berhad and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd headquarters, two world renowned oil and gas companies.
“The bazaar lags behind other parts of Miri city. We plan to transform it as has a unique historical value since oil was first discovered in Miri,” he told reporters after visiting the bazaar.
Dr Chan, who is also Sarawak deputy chief minister, said his ministry would consider emulating the concept applied in Malacca as a historical town in the plan to transform Lutong.
“We would also request the federal tourism minister (Dr Ng Yen Yen) to assist us in the plan,” he added.
Dr Chan, who spent over an hour to meet shophouse owners at the bazaar, was accompanied by Sarawak Tourism and Heritage Ministry permanent secretary Pahon Joyik and Sarawak Museum curator Ipoi Datan.
— Bernama
Sashidaran Gunathevan
Yalinie Mathan
Maran Perianen
