By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 1: The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) have been urged to establish a command centre of their own to improve their municipal services through digital technology and subsequently turning Kuching into a smart city.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said a digital command centre has already been established at the State level where all the information are gathered in a storage centre located at Baitulmakmur 2 building in Petra Jaya.
“Upon setting up their (DBKU and MBKS) own command centres, they will then be connected to the existing State digital command centre which would allow interfacing as well as exchange of information between the two parties.
“All these information will become a catalyst in enabling the administrative local councils to monitor the activities and environment under their respective jurisdictions apart from upgrading their services to the people.
“Any weaknesses that are happening in both local authorities can be rectified and this will be informed to the related ministries so that we can fix the weaknesses in our services,” he said when officiating the 33rd anniversary of Kuching City Day today.
Abang Johari further mentioned that when it comes to digital transformation, all services would be offered through digital devices which would accelerate the service efficiency between the administrator and members of the public.
He explained that one of the problems faced by the local authorities during the Covid-19 pandemic was the waste collection.
He said this was due to the emergence of positive cases among the waste collection personnel which led to the hiccups of the waste collection services.
“If such problem happens, we must have a rectification process where we are able to set up an alternative in terms of services needed by the community at large.
“I believe that with that sort of digital communication, we would be able to improve our services including traffic flow,” he added.
At the same time, DBKU mayor Datu Junaidi Reduan said the theme “Digital Transformation Towards A Smart Kuching City” for this year’s Kuching City Day reflected one of the State government’s main focus namely Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022.
“As an early step to transform our services in line with the Strategy, DBKU has drafted and will implement e-DBKU Plan beginning this year.
“This plan is expected to complete by 2025 covers three main components namely, innovative digital solutions, service delivery and smart city.
“We believe the Kuching City will become a smart city in the near future and may also become the best city in this region,” he emphasised.
Among those present were Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Junaidi and MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng. — DayakDaily
