By Adrian Lim
MUKAH, Sept 12: The digital economy implemented by the state government has benefited local fishermen in their trade and businesses.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the locals were very smart in using technology devices to generate income online through smartphones and digital apps during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
“I want to build digital infrastructure, especially the fibre optics (throughout Sarawak).
When I initiated the digital economy for Sarawak in 2017, I was wondering whether the people are good at using digital technology especially the people in the rural areas.
“Surprisingly, most Sarawakians are very smart in using digital technology.
“During the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, there were fishermen from Buntal using digital technology to sell fishes.
“And the customers use their smartphones to order them.
“Thereafter the fishermen will deliver the fishes to the buyers by communicating through smartphones. Those who are ordering (fishes) were mostly housewives.
“And all of them use smartphones,” he said in his speech prior to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Batang Igan bridge here today.
He added that there were also people who sell local food and beverages online.
Abang Johari who is Finance and Economic Planning Minister added that the people in Sarawak are now using digital applications such as Sarawak Pay to pay for products and services.
As a result, he noted that most Sarawakians are smart in using digital apps and online services.
Moving forward, Abang Johari said the state government is looking to build digital infrastructure in the rural areas so that the rural folks will benefit from the digital economy.
He said he is confident in implementing various development projects in Sarawak because the people are behind the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government, and when the people are united and living in harmony, the state will be well administrated.
He added that the state government is also committed to providing basic amenities such as treated water supply and electricity connectivity to the people in rural areas.—DayakDaily
