SARAWAK is poised to be an early adopter of the 5G network, with plans for 589 operational sites by 2024, covering about 60 per cent of populated areas in the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said a total of RM1.89 billion has been allocated to support the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (SALURAN) initiatives through various projects by the state government and complemented by the federal government.
“Additionally the federal government through Digital National Berhad (DNB) has allocated RM1 billion for the development of 5G in Sarawak until 2030,” he said.
He also said that the state will vigorously promote the development of data centres in Sarawak, given the availability of its renewable energy.
“This is because experts have forecast the global demand for data centre services to increase three times from USD187 billion in 2020 to USD571billion in 2030.
“Sarawak, likewise is expected to experience the same intensity in demand and this demand will come from the implementation of the Post Covid Development Strategies (PCDS 2030), the growth of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), immersive technologies, and the adoption of hybrid remote working in the post-pandemic era,” he said.
He said this when tabling the 2024 State Budget on the first day of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday (Nov 20).
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister of Finance and New Economy stated that a total of RM26 million will be allocated in 2024 for the development of digital government services that will ease and further simplify interactions between citizens and the government by delivering secured and trusted seamless services.
“The numerous key digital projects includes the licence management system for Sarawak Carbon Capture and Storage, Integrated Social Management System, State Online Foreign Workers Transformation Approach Development System and Unit Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan Sarawak (UKPS) Advance Security Enforcement System,” he said.
He stated that all government online services related to business sectors are to be enabled by SarawakID Corporate by next year.
“Currently, more than 957,000 users are registered to access government services, and moving forward SarawakIID Corporate is available for corporate entities to sign-on and access government online services,” he added.
