May 7, 2026
Miri, May 2026 — Wang Ruihan, Deputy Director of the AERI Economic and Trade Committee, recently led a field research team to Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, conducting an in-depth survey of the local food and beverage industry's development status and investment opportunities. Wang Ruihan expressed strong optimism about Miri's F&B market potential, highlighting the city's strategic transformation from a traditional oil town into a diversified economic hub.
Miri is Malaysia's earliest oil city, where Royal Dutch Shell drilled the country's first oil well in 1910. In 2005, Miri was officially granted city status, becoming Sarawak's second-largest city after Kuching. With a population of approximately 300,000 comprising Iban, Chinese, Malay, and other ethnic communities, Miri has formed a uniquely diverse multicultural society.
Wang Ruihan noted: "Sarawak is actively advancing its Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), targeting a state GDP of RM 282 billion with an average annual economic growth rate of around 8%. Against this backdrop, Miri, as the northern economic center, will see its food and beverage service sector become a crucial pillar of economic diversification."
According to official data from Sarawak Tourism, the state welcomed 4.971 million tourists in 2025, generating tourism revenue of RM 12.67 billion — both historic highs. In 2026, the state government continues to target 5 million visitors. January 2026 saw 438,000 tourist arrivals, a year-on-year increase of 9.27%, with tourism revenue of RM 1.116 billion, up 8.83%.
Miri is emerging as a Borneo tourism hotspot, serving as the gateway to UNESCO World Heritage sites including Mulu National Park, Niah National Park, and Lambir Hills National Park. Brunei represents Sarawak's largest source of foreign tourists — in January 2026, 159,000 visitors entered from Brunei, accounting for over 60% of Sarawak's international arrivals — continuously driving up Miri's dining demand.
"The booming tourism industry directly drives the growth of food and beverage consumption," Wang Ruihan analyzed. "From night market stalls to high-end restaurants, Miri's dining landscape is rapidly diversifying."
Curtin University Malaysia, located in Senadin, Miri, is Curtin University's first overseas campus in Southeast Asia, hosting students from over 50 countries and regions. Starting in 2026, the Sarawak state government launched the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), providing full tuition funding for Sarawakian students at state universities, including Curtin University Malaysia.
Wang Ruihan pointed out: "International students are not only a stable consumer group; their dietary preferences also drive the local F&B industry toward diversification and internationalization."
Miri's food culture is a microcosm of Sarawak's multicultural society. The local cuisine blends traditional Iban indigenous flavors with the essence of Chinese and Malay cultures. Miri's Chinese community is predominantly Foochow, along with Hakka and Cantonese communities, making the city a gathering place for distinctive delicacies including Kolo Mee, Sarawak Laksa, Kampua Mee, Midin (wild fern stir-fried with belacan), and Umai (Iban traditional citrus-cured fish salad).
During field visits to Miri Central Market and Saberkas Night Market, Wang Ruihan stated: "Miri's dining scene combines authentic local specialties with an inclusive spirit — this diversity is its core competitive advantage."
The research identified several mature dining clusters in Miri, including Boulevard Commercial Centre, Marina Parkcity (featuring Miri Times Square and Marina Square Phase II), Centre Point Commercial Centre, Miri Central Market, Saberkas Night Market, 28 Food Centre, and Morsjaya Commercial Centre.
As the second-largest ethnic group in Miri, the Chinese community — primarily Foochow — is a major driving force in F&B consumption. Wang Ruihan noted: "The Chinese community has strong purchasing power and values quality, providing a solid foundation for mid-to-high-end F&B brands entering the Miri market."
Under the PCDS 2030 framework, the Sarawak state government views the F&B sector as a key direction for service industry upgrading, continuously promoting digital transformation and green economic development. Wang Ruihan concluded: "Considering tourism resources, the catalytic effect of international universities, diverse culinary culture, and the Chinese consumer market, Miri's F&B market is on an upward trajectory. For F&B investors looking to enter the East Malaysian market, Miri is a city worth close attention."
AERI stated that it will continue to monitor economic developments in Sarawak and Miri, building bridges for China-Malaysia cooperation in trade and investment.