The Sarawak Transport Minister made the proposal during a briefing by the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia project team at his ministry’s office here yesterday.

The project team presented ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ as its proposed design theme, drawing inspiration from Sarawak’s ethnic cultures, particularly the heritage, traditional craftsmanship and artistic elements of the Orang Ulu communities.

In a statement, Lee welcomed the concept, noting that Miri serves as an important gateway to the interior regions of northern Sarawak, but suggested broadening its scope.

The Senadin assemblyman said the design should also highlight Gunung Mulu National Park, Niah National Park and the Grand Old Lady, which symbolises Miri’s historical roots as the birthplace of Malaysia’s petroleum industry.

Lee also encouraged the inclusion of elements from Sarawak’s other ethnic communities to reflect the state’s unity in diversity.

“Our airport should not simply be a place where passengers arrive and depart. It should also be a place where visitors can discover what makes Miri and Sarawak special,” he said.

He expressed hope that the federal Ministry of Transport and JKR Malaysia would ensure the appointed interior design team conducts site visits in Miri and other relevant locations in Sarawak.

This would give designers first-hand insights into the airport’s surroundings, local communities and heritage, helping them develop an authentic final design.

The briefing concluded a three-day engagement and working visit programme coordinated by the State Transport Ministry from Oct 7 to 9.

The programme included engagement sessions with cultural associations, artists, and craftsmen in Miri, followed by study visits to the Sarawak Cultural Village and Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching.

Lee thanked the federal Ministry of Transport, JKR Malaysia, Malaysia Airports, local cultural associations, artists and other participating stakeholders for their contributions.

Among those present were federal Ministry of Transport Development Division secretary Siti Marshitah Mohamad Yusof, JKR Malaysia Transport Infrastructure Engineering Branch senior director Waznah Abdul Aziz, State Transport Ministry permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng, deputy permanent secretary Mohamad Lotfi Tuah, State Transport Ministry aviation division head Dayang Nurhayati Abang Ahmad, and Miri Airport manager Mohd Zabidi Abdullah.

Credits: Samuel Aubrey, The Borneo Post 2026