By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 1: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) must transform how they engage with the public to remain relevant and effective in the fast-evolving digital economy, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Sarawak is positioning itself as a major digital economic power in the region through the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 (SDE 2030), with a focus on attracting cross-border data flows and investments such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) hubs.
To support this, the Sarawak government is placing strong emphasis on adopting emerging technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and 5G, which are expected to indirectly boost productivity, enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and improve the quality of life for the people.
“I urge DBKU and MBKS to embrace this aspiration in order to remain significant and relevant to digital needs, and to adapt accordingly to fully benefit from the digital era.
“DBKU and MBKS must transform how they interact with and are perceived by the public, including in areas such as policy-making, service delivery, as well as monitoring and evaluation,” he said in a speech delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the 37th Kuching City Day celebration at Pengkalan Sapi today.
Abang Johari added that local authorities play a vital role in shaping liveable cities by providing essential services and responding to community needs more effectively than federal agencies due to their closer proximity to the people.
He noted that this aligns with this year’s celebration theme, ‘Smart City of Unity: Embracing a Sustainable Future’, which complements Sarawak’s broader sustainability agenda.
In this regard, he highlighted the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 launched on May 29, which outlines 10 strategic thrusts and 111 action plans to guide Sarawak’s transition towards a green and low-carbon economy.
“As for DBKU and MBKS, both city councils can play a critical role in implementing the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 by aligning their policies, urban planning and community programmes with it.
“This blueprint can also be integrated into Local Development Plans, Low-Carbon Initiatives in Urban Areas, Waste and Water Management Innovations, Community Education and Engagement, Nature-Based and Carbon Projects, Green Economy and Innovation, as well as Digital and Smart City initiatives,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
