By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Sept 14: 5G internet speed is a prerequisite to collect real-time data for any disaster risk reduction and crisis response in Sarawak, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said that is why he hopes to leapfrog internet connectivity in Sarawak to 5G instead of incremental upgrading from the current 4G.
“It has to be real-time, otherwise this thing won’t work. You can only react correctly when you have the right data, and it must be based on data convergence.
“Otherwise your actions to reduce risk may be one hour or three hours late, and whatever measures you put in place may not be suitable anymore because the situation has changed,” he said.
To achieve 5G, Abang Johari said Sarawak is working with the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) through Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economic Corporation (SDEC).
Despite the the huge cost that will be incurred for this purpose, he said the Sarawak government is committed to increase its revenue for more basic infrastructure development.
“This requires a lot of investment, that’s why it’s a joint effort with the Federal government, to build important infrastructure including internet speed for us to get the right data,” he said when launching TRANSCEND Sarawak 2022 at Tegas Digital Village here today.
TRANSCEND, also known as Technology Enhanced Stakeholders’ Collaboration for Supporting Risk Sensitive Sustainable Urban Development is a platform aiming to emphasise the most recent discussions and findings that investigates processes, governance structures, policies and technology that can expedite a transition towards a risk-sensitive and transformative urban development.
The RESILIENT4WRD Lab: Resilient & Agile Cities for Future is one of the TRANSCEND outcomes which will utilise the MOBILISE digital platform as a digital tool to support agency collaboration, data and insight sharing to mitigate disaster such as flooding in Sarawak.
Amongst others also present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) general manager Dr Zaidi Razak, TRANSCEND project leader Professor Terrence Fernando, and TRANSCEND Malaysia investigator Associate Professor Dr Noralfishah Sulaiman. — Dayakdaily
