Govt serious in bringing tech to rural areas: CM

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BINTULU: The Sarawak government is committed to bringing technology to the rural areas to ensure that the rural communities will not be left behind.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that the launch of the Sarawak Pay-BSN Fintech application in Sebauh yesterday afternoon proved that the government was serious about its goal.

“This is one of our approaches to develop rural areas so that they are at par with their counterparts in urban areas,” he explained.

Abang Johari (5th left) flanked by Masing (4th left) and other guests at the launch of the Sarawak Pay application in Sebauh, Bintulu. Photos: Mohd Alif Noni

He added it had always been the Sarawak government’s wish to bring technological applications to the rural areas.

Sarawak Pay is an e-wallet application for customers to conduct cashless transaction through smartphones

Abang Johari said via the Sarawak Pay apps, life would be easier for the people.

“You can make day-to-day transactions any time and at any place, no hassle,” he said.

He said it was understandable that people needed time to adapt to new technologies.

Abang Jo (centre) and other guests being welcomed by a silat performance in Sebauh.

Abang Johari was, however, optimistic that in three years’ time, people in the state would be widely using technology in various aspects in their lives including agriculture.

The Sarawak Pay programme is initiated by the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and supported by Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN).

Sebauh district, with population of 21,754, is located at about 30km from Bintulu town.

With the launch of the Sarawak Pay apps by Abang Johari yesterday, Sebauh has become the first district outside Kuching to have the application.

Abang Johari at a photocall with Sebauh’s community leaders after the launch of the Sarawak Pay application.

In conjunction with the launch, the chief minister also announced a RM15 million allocation to help boost Sebauh’s internet speed.

He also announced another RM36 million allocation to improve and upgrade Sebauh’s infrastructure facilities.

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, Minister of Utilities Minister Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombusman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Local Government Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing,former Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and Acting State Secretary Datuk Jaul Samion.