KUCHING: With Sarawak now at the forefront of digital economic development, it is crucial for the state government to take steps to ensure protection of the privacy of individuals, data and information.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the scope and boundaries in terms of the law need to be carefully examined for the security of the state and its people.
“At the same time, I also call on everyone to remain vigilant and raise awareness of cybersecurity threats,” he said in his opening address at the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
Wan Junaidi said the implementation of digital economic initiatives by the Sarawak government since 2017 has shown positive impacts on the economy, society, and lifestyle of Sarawakians resulting from the expansion of broadband coverage, increased access to high-speed internet, the development of startups, and the S Pay Global e-wallet application.
“The state government’s efforts to intensify the digital economic agenda to drive and modernise the economy, ensuring Sarawak continues to grow and remain competitive internationally, are highly commendable.
“Thus, I urge the people to develop the necessary digital skills to utilise technology productively to enhance socio-economic standards,” he said.
He said Sarawak is fortunate to have caring, committed, and forward-thinking leaders like Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“The Premier has introduced many new approaches and ideas to accelerate and develop Sarawak’s economy.
“This includes digital economic initiatives, data centre development, green and renewable energy, hydrogen, Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS), green economy, and circular economy,” he said.
He added that the Premier’s leadership has successfully elevated Sarawak to a high-income region.
“The Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which is the brainchild of the Premier, has a clear development direction towards becoming an advanced and high-income region by 2030,” he said.
He also said the state’s economy is growing and now ranked as the third largest contributor to Malaysia’s economy after Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, surpassing Johor’s economy.
“This achievement is the result of various initiatives, programmes, and high-impact projects across multiple economic sectors.
“I am confident that with a clear and inclusive strategic development plan, Sarawak’s economy will continue to progress and emerge as a major contributor to Malaysia’s economy,” said Wan Junaidi.
