Sarawak pushes for Smart City transformation, aims to be model of sustainable urban devt

Dr Sim seated (centre) poses for a group photo at the Sarawak Smart City Workshop 2024.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Sept 11: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called for Sarawak to embrace smart city principles, aiming to position the State as a model of sustainable urban development and to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

Dr Sim emphasised that by adopting smart city initiatives, Sarawak will not only address immediate urban challenges but also pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.

He explained that a smart city leverages Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and technological advancements to resolve urban issues, foster an inclusive society, boost economic prosperity, and enhance environmental sustainability.

“In the context of Sarawak, a smart city involves adopting these technologies and innovations to meet our unique challenges, as outlined in the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” Dr Sim said during his speech at the Sarawak Smart City Workshop 2024, held at a hotel today.

He further highlighted that the rapid pace of urbanisation in the region has underscored the necessity for innovative solutions to issues such as congestion, pollution, outdated infrastructure, crime, and the increasing sophistication of citizens’ lifestyles.

Dr Sim urged the Smart City Committee to adopt a top-down approach in addressing these challenges, ensuring that the benefits of smart city initiatives are felt across the entire state of Sarawak, rather than just in specific divisions or districts.

“Residents should experience a sense of intelligence in their interactions with the authorities, particularly through the seamless flow of information between service-providing agencies. That is how a city truly becomes ‘smart,'” he explained.

“This is why the journey towards building smart cities must involve concerted efforts among various agencies,” he added.

Dr Sim also mentioned that the Smart City Committee was established to facilitate these efforts, led by the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and comprising various ministries and local authorities.

He emphasised that if any agency faces difficulties in implementing smart city initiatives—especially in terms of inter-agency collaboration—they can refer their issues to the Smart City Committee.

Director of Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Datu Lester Mathew and General Manager of Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) Dato Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng were also in attendance. — DayakDaily