Curtin Sarawak Launches Market Research for Miri City Incorporated (MCI)

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MIRI, 1 February 2005 – The formation of Miri City Incorporated (MCI) was announced in November 2004 by YB Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr George Chan Hong Nam, Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak. As Miri prepares itself to become a city in May 2005, the objective of MCI is to create a market-centered concept that coordinates the public and private sector, as well as the general public to enhance Miri’s environment for better living, tourism and investment.

As Miri achieves its city status, the expectations of its inhabitants will inevitably increase leading to demands for better quality of life, better education, and improved economy through increased business activities and opportunities. Visitors too will expect more from Miri in terms of facilities and attractiveness. Hence, an immediate initiative of MCI through Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia, is to conduct a market research to determine existing perceptions with respect to Miri as a city.

The survey, entitled “Making Miri a Better City”, will comprise of two parts. The market research team will begin their survey of tourists and visitors on February 2nd, with special focus on areas such as the airport, hotels, the Tourist Information Centre and the Brunei border.

A survey of Miri residents will follow, commencing on February 14th, in areas such as shopping centres, mini markets, ‘tamu’ areas, parks and gardens, as well as commercial centres. Overall, the research team aims at interviewing up to 450 tourists and 4500 Miri residents.

The information gathered through this survey will assist Miri City Incorporated (MCI) in their review and implementation of the Master Plan for the development of the city. As such, both residents and visitors of Miri are requested to actively participate in this survey by offering approximately 15 minutes of their time to complete the questionnaires, should they be approached by Curtin Sarawak’s interviewers. The public’s cooperation in this research would definitely make the effort worthwhile to all concerned, and contribute to make Miri a better city for all.