Miri is set to significantly enhance its public transportation network with the introduction of new rural stage bus services, launched by MTC following approval from the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak on March 8, 2025.
The new routes will start operation on August 1st, 2025.
This vital initiative is designed to greatly improve accessibility for several rural communities, including Bekenu, Batu Niah, Bakong, Lapok, and Long Lama, all of which are situated within reach of Miri.
The new routes will begin from Wisma Pelita Bus Terminal, with the routes cited below.
- Miri – Long Lama (Route 89; Coastal Road Line)
- Miri – Niah Town (Route 98; Pan Borneo Line)
- Miri – Bekenu Town (Route 99: Pan Borneo Line)
Based on an article by Borneo Post, Route 89 will operate twice daily at 10AM and 2PM, with the route connecting Waterfall Rainforest, Bekenu junction, SMK Luar Bandar, Mamut junction, Beluru junction, Bakong, Lapok, and Long Lama.
According to MTC, this route will take approximately three hours, proving a scenic view of Lambir National Park, Fairy Park and tropical rainforest along the 145KM route.
Route 98 will operate four times daily, at 7AM, 9.10AM, 1PM, and 3.10PM connecting Miri to places like Tusan Beach, Pekan Bekenu, Haw Food Centre, Sepupok Road, before ending at Pekan Niah. This route will use the coastal road, passing Beraya junction.
This route takes about 90 minutes and covers about 86KM.
Route 99 will run at 7AM, 8.30AM, 1PM, and 2.30PM from Wisma Pelita Bus Terminal, with it stopping at the Waterfall Rainforest and Bekenu junction before reaching Bekenu Town.
MTC says this route is about an hour with a scenic view of Lambir National Park, Fairy Park, and tropical rainforest, with a distance about 70KM.
It is understood that the primary objective of these new routes is to provide residents with a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport while simplifying daily commutes for work, educational pursuits, healthcare appointments, and other essential needs.
New source: Borneo Post, MTC
