(From second left) Chai, Bishop Solomon, Ting, Huang and Pratten during the memorial service.
MIRI (June 13): Efforts to preserve, document and promote stories linked to Miri’s World War II heritage sites should be strengthened to enhance the city’s heritage tourism potential, said State Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting.
He made the call at the WWII Memorial Service held at the Miri World War II Memorial Park here on Saturday morning, urging the Miri City Council, St Columba’s Anglican Church, local historians, heritage organisations and community groups to work together on preservation initiatives.
He said the stories of the 28 victims commemorated at the memorial park, the Riam Massacre, and the 51 prisoners of war whose remains remain undiscovered represent an important chapter of Miri and Sarawak’s history that should be properly documented and shared with future generations.
Ting proposed several initiatives, including interpretive signage and a historical trail linking the Memorial Park with related sites along Jalan Riam; a digital archive of oral histories and historical records; inclusion of St Columba Memorial Park in Miri’s broader heritage trail; and stronger collaboration with schools to raise awareness among students.
He said Miri should offer visitors experiences that go beyond natural scenery to include meaningful stories and historical depth.
“This concept has led to the growing importance of heritage tourism and memorial tourism worldwide.
“Many cities have successfully preserved sites of remembrances, transforming them into places of reflection, education and learning while ensuring the dignity of those who suffered is respected,” he said.
During the memorial service, Bishop Solomon and Ting laid wreaths at the tomb of the 28 martyrs as their names were read.
Also present were Heritage & Creative Industry Division head Dr Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern, military historian of the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre Dr Garth Pratten, Councillor Sean Huang, and clergy from St Columba’s Anglican Church.
Pratten welcomed ongoing preservation efforts, noting Miri’s historical links with Australia.
He said Australian troops were stationed in Miri for several months at the end of Second World War, helping restore peace and begin post-war recovery, though liberation came at a cost with civilian casualties from earlier bombardments.
He suggested expanding the heritage trail to include sites such as Lutong Beach, where Australian forces landed, and the former Residency building, which served as an Australian headquarters.
He also proposed installing a plaque at the World War II Memorial Park to honour Australian servicemen who died during the liberation of Miri.
He commended efforts to ensure the city’s wartime history continues to be preserved and shared with future generations.
