MIRI, Sept 3: The state government has to look far ahead by bringing digital technology into the forefront of rural development, to be on par with the modernised world.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the focus on digital transformation in rural development would ensure the people would not be left behind in technology advancement, which continues to influence the modern economy.
Developing digital technology to spur the rural economy is part of the state government’s continuous holistic approach and vision to develop the state on a whole, he added.
“The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has a farsighted vision to ensure the people in the rural areas would not be left behind in technology development.
“We will develop digital networking within the rural areas because we have long term plans in providing the facilities for the benefit of the people.
“The government not only want the rural areas to have Internet access but also high speed Internet connectivity,” he said when launching the wireless Internet connectivity at SMK Temenggong Datuk Lawai Jau in Long San, near here, today.
Following the launch, the areas surrounding SMK Temengong Datuk Lawai Jau and Long San will be able to gain Internet broadband service access with the speed between 10 Mpbs and 30Mpbs.
Abang Jo said the Internet access would also empower the learning process of the students, as well as opening doorways to more knowledge, wealth of information and educational resources to both students and the people.
“We will do it our way, the Sarawak way, bringing digital technology to the rural areas,” he continued, while adding that the event today only proved the state government’s commitment to bring digital development in the rural areas.
Abang Jo assured that all development projects that have been planned, will be implemented in stages. Some might take longer to complete, he added.
“Please bear with me, because this will take time. I don’t have an Aladdin’s lamp (to complete all these projects in one night),” he said.
Abang Johari also revealed that next year, two more telecommunication towers will be built at Long San to improve Internet speed. — DayakDaily
