The territorial expansion of the Kayans caused the Mirieks to migrate northwards into areas of Baram river before settled around Miri river (Likoh Miraik) on the northeastern coast of Sarawak in what is now modern day city of Miri.
[2] Culturally, the Mirieks have close ties with their Malay neighbours and share many similar cultures and lifestyle, which is why the Mirieks are originally classified as Malays[3] and were only recognized as a distinct ethnic group by the Sarawakian government in 2022.
[4] They are traditionally farmers and fishermen with strong ties to the land of Miri before rapid urbanization of the city due to the discovery of oil.
The rapid urbanization of Miri caused the traditional lands of Miriek people becoming more threatened by developers.
[9] Miriek people traditionally adhere to Sunni Islam due to its historical contacts with the Malay Sultanate of Brunei and played an important role in their ethnic identity.