RM550 mln Smart City project to cover Greater Kuching

KUCHING: Greater Kuching is set to benefit from a RM550 million Smart City project aimed at improving digital connectivity, public safety and urban services.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil said the initiative would provide a major boost to digital infrastructure across Kuching and its surrounding areas.

He said the project would involve Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and other local authorities under a collaboration between the federal and Sarawak governments.

“We have witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Smart City initiative, which will involve DBKU and several other areas.

“This will provide a major boost, particularly to digital infrastructure around Kuching, with the project estimated to be worth RM550 million,” he told reporters when met at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here today (Oct 15).

Fahmi said the initiative would include the installation of fibre optic cables to support various smart city applications, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems.

Under the MoU, the project will initially cover four local authorities, namely DBKU, Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS).

The agreement was exchanged between Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) permanent secretary Datuk Elizabeth Loh.

The exchange was witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Fahmi.

According to MCMC, the project will involve the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven smart city services, an integrated city platform and stronger digital connectivity infrastructure.

Among the planned initiatives are urban security monitoring, emergency response support, public Wi-Fi, digital twin technology and a Network Operations Centre (NOC).

The project also aims to improve traffic and public facilities management, enable faster responses to emergencies and provide more efficient public services.

MCMC said cybersecurity, data protection and inclusivity would also be taken into account in implementing the initiative.

The collaboration supports the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 and Malaysia Digital 2030.