No over-emphasis when it comes to digital technology, says Abang Johari

KUCHING: It is crucial for all Sarawakians, especially those in the tourism industry, to embrace digital technology, stresses Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to him, digital technology is the way forward for Sarawak.

“We cannot do business in traditional way anymore — that’s the reality. We need to digitalise our business in order to compete with others.

“The tourism industry is no exception. I have to say that the service of (tour) agents is in the twilight shift because almost everyone now uses their smartphones to buy air tickets and book their accommodation online. So whether you like it or not, we are to embrace digital economy and that’s what we want to do for Sarawak, so that we would not be left behind,” the chief minister said in his speech at the opening of this year’s Kuching Festival at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) on Friday night, where Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib were present.

Abang Johari’s speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Adding on, the chief minister said Sarawak ‘has an ambitious plan’, notably in upgrading the telecommunication infrastructure in order to have fast Internet connectivity across the state with the investment of RM1 billion.

“We also cannot depend entirely on Putrajaya to leapfrog Sarawak into the era of digital economy. That’s why we will be setting up a special committee to regulate Internet and digital development in Sarawak, apart from setting up our own Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) so that we can source for more funds without depleting our own financial resources.

“Technology alone will not make people rich overnight; as such, the people should use it to their advantage,” Abang Johari said.