By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 6: Sarawak’s telecommunications sector should be private-led to propel the State forward, and the consortium comprised of Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (Sains), Sacofa Sdn Bhd (Sacofa), and PP Telecommunication Sdn Bhd (PPTel) will assist Sarawak in achieving the State’s digital transformation, according to Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi.
Julaihi witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sains, Sacofa, and PPTel today at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) to collaborate in assisting Sarawak in achieving its digital transformation goal of ‘digitalising Sarawak’.
During his speech, he stated that digital transformation is one of the key enablers outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which will equip Sarawak with an improved business ecosystem and reduced bureaucratic inefficiencies through the adoption of new technologies.
“Inspired by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s initiative, Sains, Sacofa, and PPTel have agreed to collaborate to achieve the State’s digital transformation goal of ‘digitalising Sarawak’.
“Each of the three companies has played an important role in the State’s digital transformation, from providing digital infrastructure to building connectivity to rural and remote areas, and developing and implementing application systems to allow Sarawak government services to be conveniently accessed by the public at any time and from any location,” he said.
Julaihi went on to say that the collaboration will effectively provide the entire ecosystem required for Sarawak’s digitalisation.
“As a key vehicle for the State to accelerate its digital transformation, the consortium will act as the primary agent for Sarawak digitalisation, collaborating with other service providers, technology providers, and local vendors to bring about the State’s digital transformation,” he added.
Meanwhile, at a press conference following the signing of the MoU, he urged telecommunications service providers such as Celcom, Digi, Maxis, and U Mobile to invest in and expand their coverage to Sarawak’s rural areas.
“We’ve invited service providers to join us on our rural visits to show how demand in rural areas is increasing from time to time.
“They should not be concerned about investing in providing internet coverage in the area, as multiple telecommunications towers have been built and more will be built in the future.
“I believe that by expanding internet coverage to rural areas, both parties (service providers and users) will benefit,” Julaihi explained. — DayakDaily
