SPay Global gets RM28 mln to expand digital services

THE state will allocate RM28 million to SPay Global in 2027 to strengthen the digital payment platform and expand its role in financial inclusion and government service delivery.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the investment would support the platform’s evolution from a homegrown e-wallet into Sarawak’s trusted financial technology (FinTech) ecosystem.

As of August 2026, he said SPay Global had recorded 186 million cumulative transactions valued at RM6.9 billion, with approximately 1.7 million registered users.

“Building on this foundation, SPay Global will evolve into Sarawak’s trusted FinTech ecosystem, anchored in Government and public services, and expanded through strategic partnerships,” he said when tabling the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026, at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today (Oct 12).

Abang Johari said SPay Global would continue to serve as a key platform for delivering government assistance, including the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS), Special Pocket Money for students, Bantuan Komputer Riba Percuma and Baucar Buku Percuma.

The platform enables assistance to be channelled directly to eligible recipients in Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.

For artificial intelligence (AI), the state will allocate RM5 million in 2027 to support the operations and programmes of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), including the development of practical AI applications.

Abang Johari said the government would advance AI solutions guided by the Sarawak AI Blueprint, focusing on areas relevant to the state, including food security, agriculture, energy and the management of natural assets.

He said greater collaboration among the government, industry, universities and research institutions was also needed to develop home-grown AI solutions.