KUCHING: Members of the public can use digital applications to order essential items, including food, throughout the month of Ramadan and the upcoming Gawai Dayak celebration, said Assistant International Trade and Industry, Industry Terminal and Entrepreneur Development (Mintred) Minister Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais.
He said that the state government had initiated a programme named ‘Bazar Ramadan Online Sarawakku Sayang’ (BROSS) that used digital platforms or e-commerce such as the Helpy app.
“The Helpy app will assist entrepreneurs to promote their products, customers to shop for essentials and facilitate the delivery of the products to the customers’ doorsteps according to the agreed time and date.
“In other words, this app will provide ‘end-to-end’ or ‘last mile’ services,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Those who wished to use the BROSS programme but did not know how to do so could first download the Helpy app or other similar apps in six simple steps, said Naroden.
“Firstly, we have to make sure that we have Internet services, handphone, email address and the password number. With all necessary materials in place, users can download the Helpy app at www.helpy.my or via Google Play or App Store.
“Secondly, upon entering Helpy, we can see shopping, e-bazaar Sarawakku Sayang, etc. If we choose shopping, we will see a list of food, beverages, pharmacy and others.
“To order food, just click on the Food option and it will list out various food from various shops/vendors. Next, when deciding on the food you wish to buy, you can click ‘Add to cart’ option. After you finish, you just need to check on your home address in the map on the screen.
“Users will then be required to decide on delivery method preference as well as time and date for the food orders to arrive at their doorsteps.
“When you have finished shopping for food, click ‘Payment Method’ and choose whether you would like to pay cash on delivery (COD) or e-wallet via Sarawak Pay, credit card or debit card. Lastly, click ‘Order’ to finish the whole process,” he elaborated.
According to Naroden, BROSS and Helpy app had been well received by people in the state.
“So far, BROSS has over 1,721 vendors and 410 runners/delivery personnel who had undergone several processes to ensure the high quality of the service. BROSS also has about 95,725 followers on Facebook throughout the state,” he added.
Naroden added that the written guide might not be crystal clear to everyone, especially those unfamiliar with modern technology. However, he noted that most people already owned at least a mobile phone each.
“In line with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s wish to realise digital economy strategy, technology will change the way we work. Sooner or later, we will get used to the technology.
“During the current Covid-19 crisis, we do not have any other option but to use technology as a way of life,” he said.
