LAWAS: The state government’s current policies of digitalising Sarawak’s economy is for the betterment of today’s generation and future Sarawakians, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (pic).
“In other words, we (GPS) do this for you,” he told a large crowd at ‘Majlis Pelancaran Berdudun Digital’ at Institut Latihan Islam Malaysia (Ilim) Lawas Campus, yesterday.
He said sooner or later he would have to leave due to old age, and Sarawak would be in the hands of the future generations.
“Sarawak is now working on digitalising its economy because it is important that we move in that direction in this digital era,” he said.
The chief minister then said he was impressed that the local people have learnt to adopt new technology.
“Last night (Monday night) I was at a function with the local people. As I was about to leave the stadium I had to make a few stops because the people wanted to take wefies with me. This is part of embracing technology. So, congratulations to the people of Lawas,” he said.
He added that it couldn’t be denied that the world is digitally transforming with the agricultural sector also using modern technology.
“With the availability of technology, you can sell your products online. You can even reach a wider market or go international,” he stressed.
Giving an example of success in e-commerce, Abang Johari said a single mother from Kampung Igan had managed to earn RM4,000 per month by just promoting and selling ‘kerepek’ (chips) online.
On another note, he said technological advancement has its disadvantages as people, for example, use social media to slander others.
“Thus, people need to be careful and know how to differentiate between right and wrong.”
At the same function, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the state government was faster than the federal government in going digital.
“When I saw the launch of Malaysia’s digital economy by Prime Minsiter Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on television, I remembered that our chief minister had already done the same here.
“Therefore, congratulations and thanks to you (Abang Johari) sir for taking the initiative towards digital economy for the benefit of Sarawak,” he said.
He added it needed everybody’s involvement to embrace technology in order to strengthen the state’s economy.
