By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Jan 17: A total of 23 new Digital Economic Centres (PEDi) in various State constituencies is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2024, says Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
Julaihi named Krian, Telang Usan, Ba’kelalan, Gedong, Saribas, Semop and Belaga as among the constituencies involved.
He added that the selection of PEDi locations is based on a socio-economic survey and site visits according to the guidelines set by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in collaboration with relevant State government agencies.
“The development of PEDi also supports the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 to drive Sarawak towards becoming a developed and high-income State by 2030,” he said in his remarks before symbolically handing over the 23 new PEDi at a hotel here today.
Julaihi elaborated that the centres are expected to emphasise digital transformation efforts by guiding and producing a community of entrepreneurs, especially micro-entrepreneurs, in rural areas, to implement digital technology in their business activities.
In his remarks, he also welcomed the initiative of the Ministry of Communications through MCMC to set up the 23 new (PEDi in Sarawak under the Universal Service Provision (USP) programme.
He asserted that PEDi has an important role as a change agent in the local community for the benefits it offers in the era of the digital economy.
Julaihi said that PEDi which are concentrated in rural and inland areas, offer high-speed Internet access and e-commerce training programmes.
He added that the centre not only acts as a transformation centre to guide local communities, especially small entrepreneurs, but also helps them to adapt business marketing through digital platforms.
“To date, there are 133 existing PEDi in Sarawak, mainly in rural areas,” he said.
His deputy, Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, and MUT Permanent Secretary Jafri Lias were among those present. — DayakDaily
