KUCHING, Nov 7: Sarawak Multimedia Authority, which will be set up after the relevant bill is tabled in the state Legislative Assembly sitting which starts tomorrow, will regulate all aspects of the digital economy locally.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the law would provide cyber security and protection, which are essential in the digital economy.
Among the initiatives launched by the state government to develop the digital economy locally includes upgrading Internet speed, establishment of a digital village,and rolling out the Big Data centralised database system in April next year.
He said the system would open up the data of the government, industries and private individuals, which could provide useful information to the public to identify future market needs and trends.
The state has also allocated RM20 million to set up the Digital Village in Samajaya, while Tegas Digital Innovation Hub (TDIH) which serves as a platform to nurture talents, support entrepreneurs and create innovators for Sarawak was already set up at iCOM Square in Pending.
Abang Johari said one more Tegas hub would be set up in Sarikei, followed by Betong, Miri, and Lawas.
“I am disappointed at MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) at the speed of the Internet in our rural area … image and information cannot even load, we cannot get information from websites if there is no speed.”
Hence, he told some 500 participants at the Sarawak e-Commerce Forum 2017 that the state government is committed to improving the speed of Internet in the state.
He said RM1 billion had been allocated to build more communication towers and install fibre-optic cables to improve Internet speed in the state while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had promised to allocated RM500 million this year.
He said Sarawak, with its many resources, with the advancement of the digital economy and infrastructure in place, could sell local handicrafts, local fruits or perfumes to any customer in the region with the convenience of Sarawak Pay. — DayakDaily
