Miri has received the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award 2026, recognising the city’s efforts to maintain cleanliness, improve public facilities and promote sustainable tourism.
The award was presented in Putrajaya on Thursday, October 15, by Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot to Miri City Council (MCC) Tourism and Business Events Development standing committee chairman Councillor Sean Huang.
According to MCC, Miri was among 12 local authorities in Malaysia recognised under the ASEAN Tourism Standards.
The recognition reflects efforts to strengthen urban cleanliness, environmental management, public safety, tourism infrastructure, public health and sustainable tourism practices.
MCC said the achievement was made possible through cooperation between government departments, agencies, tourism industry stakeholders, businesses and the local community.
A total of 19 agencies and stakeholders contributed to the preparation and assessment process through inter-agency coordination, information sharing and evaluation sessions.
The council emphasised that maintaining a clean and attractive city requires continuous public participation, including proper waste disposal, environmental protection and keeping public spaces clean.
Miri as a Tourism Destination
Located in northern Sarawak, Miri serves as an important gateway to major natural attractions, including Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park, both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award further strengthens Miri’s position as a destination for tourism and business events while supporting efforts to improve visitor experiences and encourage sustainable tourism development.
MCC said continued cooperation between public and private stakeholders would remain important in maintaining the city’s cleanliness, improving public amenities and ensuring a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
The recognition also highlights the shared responsibility of local authorities, businesses and the community in keeping Miri clean, attractive and competitive as a tourism destination in Sarawak.
What is the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award is a regional recognition under the ASEAN Tourism Standards initiative that honours cities demonstrating good practices in cleanliness, environmental management and sustainable tourism.
The award aims to encourage cities across Southeast Asia to maintain clean public spaces, provide quality tourism facilities, improve sanitation and public safety, and protect the environment. It also promotes cooperation between local authorities, tourism businesses, government agencies and communities to create attractive and welcoming destinations for visitors.
Cities are assessed against established criteria covering areas such as cleanliness, waste management, green spaces, tourism infrastructure and environmental sustainability. The recognition encourages participating destinations to continuously improve their standards and provide better experiences for tourists while maintaining a healthy environment for residents.
The standard evaluates seven key areas: environmental management, cleanliness, waste management, public awareness, green spaces, health and urban safety, and tourism infrastructure.
Source:
- The Borneo Post: Miri receives ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard Award in Putrajaya.
- MOTAC: ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award
