BINTULU: The Sarawak government is making significant strides towards transforming its cities into smart urban environments as part of its digital economy blueprint.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the initiative aims to enhance the economy and improve living conditions for residents across the state.
The transformation is being rolled out in phases, starting with Kuching and expanding to Miri and other districts like Bintulu.
“In Kuching, key focus areas include waste management, security, health services, and telecommunications infrastructure.
“We are transitioning from 4G to 5G networks and introducing hydrogen-powered buses. Plans are also underway for the deployment of Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles powered by hydrogen,” he noted.
He said this during a question and answer session of the Sarawak Day 2024 Townhall at Dewan Sri Kenyalang, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus yesterday (July 22).
Awang Tengah stressed that the technological advancements are designed to enhance urban living, stimulate economic growth, and improve public safety.
“The government’s goal is to ensure a healthier living environment for the urban population, stimulate economic growth, and enhance public safety through the integration of advanced technologies,” he added.
For the record, the Sarawak Integrated Operation Centre (SIOC) is a key component of the Kuching Smart City Master Plan 2021-2025, serving as a centralised digital platform that coordinates various smart city initiatives.
This operation centre will facilitate real-time responses to critical situations and enhance collaboration among local authorities, government agencies, and private entities.
Furthermore, the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) is actively promoting the Smart City ecosystem, which is designed to be a secure and open platform for various stakeholders.
This initiative is expected to optimise resource use and foster sustainable growth in Sarawak’s digital economy.
As Sarawak aims for developed status by 2030, the government is encouraging private sector involvement and innovation to complement its investments in digital infrastructure.
In light of this, the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint outlines the roadmap for achieving these ambitious goals, with a focus on digitalisation as a strategic thrust for economic growth.
The ongoing developments in Sarawak’s smart city initiatives reflect a commitment to creating sustainable urban environments that improve the quality of life for its citizens while driving economic progress.
