History of Miri

The "Sleepy Fishing Village"


Back in 1800s, Miri was just a sleepy fishing village of a few families trading occasionally with passing ships until the discovery of oil on Canada Hill in 1910. Canada Hill, especially the area around well Miri-1, has a significant place in the history of modern Miri. This is where the oil industry in the State started, with the successful drilling of well Miri-1 in December 1910. The growth of the oil industry has helped to transform Miri from a small fishing village at the turn of the century into a modern and prosperous town today. The first derrick constructed was affectionately called 'The Grand Old Lady' and produced oil for 62 years. As the first oil town in Malaysia, this discovery has put Miri on the road to progress.