Miri heritage trail assessed to boost WWII tourism development

suppadmin | April 6, 2026

Sarawak’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts recently conducted a site visit to the Miri Heritage Trail, assessing eight World War II historical sites along the route to evaluate their current condition and future development potential.

The delegation was led by the ministry’s Chief Assistant Secretary Tsai Ching Fen, with Deputy Minister Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew accompanying the visit. Discussions focused on overall heritage planning, infrastructure improvements and strategies to enhance tourism development.

The sites inspected included the Brighton Beach Japanese landing site, which features a lighthouse, a Japanese memorial and the grave of a lighthouse keeper; Canada Hill’s Grand Old Lady oil well; the British water dam and World War II air raid shelter at Canada Hill; the mausoleum of Ranee Margaret Brooke; the British bunker of the 20th Infantry Brigade at Kuala Baram; the Lobang POW camp and execution site; and the Canada Hill World War II Memorial Park.

Ting said the sites collectively document Miri’s historical experience during the Japanese occupation and carry significant cultural and historical value.

“These sites provide a clear narrative of Miri’s past during the war, preserving important human stories and memories. The Miri Heritage Trail brings together some of the most representative World War II relics in the area, offering both strong educational value and considerable tourism potential,” he said.

He stressed that developing the heritage trail is not only about promoting tourism, but also about helping the public understand, remember and preserve local history.

“Historical records show that 28 prisoners of war and local civilians were executed by the Japanese forces along this trail during World War II. Brighton Beach was also a key landing point for the Japanese troops,” he added.

Ting further noted that a lighthouse keeper, Awang Metali, had attempted to warn others when Japanese forces approached but was killed in the process. His grave remains at the site as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.

“The Japanese memorial near the lighthouse also commemorates individuals of various nationalities who lost their lives while serving the oil industry in Miri during that period, reflecting the shared suffering caused by the war,” he said.

He emphasised that these sites are important cultural assets and living classrooms that must be properly preserved and passed on to future generations.

“They serve as a reminder of the realities of war and the importance of peace, which must never be taken for granted,” he said.