SARAWAK will advance its digital transformation efforts with a robust plan to shift from a non-renewable resource-based economy to a technology-driven one under the State Budget ‘25.
According to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, digital infrastructure is one of the key enablers to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity throughout Sarawak.
Therefore, the state government has been actively pursuing broad-based internet coverage both in the urban as well as rural areas.
Having said this, he noted that the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) project, costing RM1.5 billion, has seen the construction of 545 out of 600 planned towers this year.
“For continuation of the project, next year, RM397 million will be provided under Alternative Funding.
“Regarding the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) launched in 2021, it has connected over 22,400 homes, introducing a prepaid package with 300MB of free data monthly for rural users.
“Hence, in this budget, RM73 million will be allocated to expand MySRBN in 2025, alongside RM20 million in government assistance for affordable high-speed internet in rural areas,” he said.
He said this when tabling the second reading of the Sarawak Budget ’25 at the second meeting of the third session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday (Nov 11).
In the realm of digitalisation, the state government plans to introduce a formal data governance framework in 2025, addressing the exponential growth of global data, expected to reach 175 zettabytes by then.
He disclosed that the Sarawak Integrated Operation Centre (SIOC) will be established as a central hub for real-time data collection, aiding in decision-making, crisis management, and response to emerging trends.
Abang Johari said that Sarawak will also establish the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) in 2025.
“The centre aims to enhance productivity and create high-value jobs by fostering public-private partnerships and collaborating with local and international players.
“It will focus on advancing AI technologies in various critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education and manufacturing,” he said.
To promote a digital business environment, he said the Sarawak government through the Sarawak Digital Economic Corporation has implemented several initiatives to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Among the initiatives are the GoDigital Grant which provides RM10,000 for purchasing digital tools; Digital Innovation Hubs which streamline business registration processes; the Digital Village Accelerator (DiVA) programme which provides RM150,000 grants for high-tech startups, having already benefitted 16 companies with a combined valuation of RM80 million.
“In addition to this, the Founder’s Forge boot camp has nurtured over 50 participants in innovative projects like AI-powered vending machines and smart farming.
“The Sarawak Digital Mall has also empowered local entrepreneurs, with over 1,000 sellers trained, contributing over RM1 million in sales on platforms like TikTok Shop,” he said.
In light of this, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government will continue to provide research grants to drive impactful science and technology-based innovations with commercial prospects.
Therefore, he said, a sum of RM16 million will be allocated in 2025, targeting the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (RM12 million), Sarawak Research Development Council (RM3 million), and the Sarawak Science Centre (RM1 million).
“Additionally, RM150 million will go towards ongoing construction of the Infectious Disease Centre, scheduled for completion by September 2026.
“Another RM135 million will be provided for construction of Sarawak Science Centre which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025,” he said.
Abang Johari added that a sum of RM25 million will be allocated to the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre in 2025 for its operation and various R&D projects.
“In order to promote research and development in applications from our rich biodiversity, an Algae Research and Production Facility to demonstrate the feasibility of cultivation at the community level with trial-testing in Gedong has been approved with a ceiling of RM5 million.
“In addition, RM22.5 million is provided for land acquisition for setting up of a large-scale micro-algae production facility in Gedong,” he said.
He said that to further bolster industry-specific research, RM5 million is allocated for the Sago and Nipah Development Board’s operations, with RM18 million earmarked for CRAUN Research’s ongoing R&D.
“Moreover, in our continuing effort to undertake research to manage Sarawak tropical peatland in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner, an allocation of about RM2 million will be provided to Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute in 2025 for its research projects,” he added.
