RM21.67 bln being spent on infrastructure for Sarawak to be IR4.0-ready – CM

KUCHING: The Sarawak government is spending RM21.67 billion from its own pocket to speed up infrastructure development and prepare the state for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), says Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The chief minister said as connectivity is one of the important elements in IR.40, the government sees the necessity of using its own resources to develop the relevant infrastructures, as well as setting up Sarawak Multimedia Authority to spearhead the state’s digital economy initiative.

“With better connectivity and infrastructure, we want the people of Sarawak to be ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, beside up-skilling our workforce,” he said in his keynote address delivered during the Acceleration and Innovation through Satelite Applications Sarawak (Aisas) Conference and Exhibition, here yesterday.

The text of his address was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

According to Abang Johari, the RM21.67 billion is for the construction of 300 communication structures to enhance telecommunication services (RM1 billion); upgrading of coastal roads and bridges (RM5 billion); Second Trunk Road (RM6 billion); water supply (RM2.8 billion); Rural Electrification Scheme (RM2.37 billion); and RM1.5 billion each for Upper Rajang Development Agency, Highland Development Agency and Northern Region Development Agency.

He said the sum was in addition to the ongoing RM16.48 billion Pan Borneo Highway project funded by the federal government.

Abang Johari said he believed that IR4.0 would fundamentally alter the way people live, work and relate to one another, and cautioned that it was no longer ‘business as usual’ as everyone needed to be ready to face drastic changes.

“Either we change or be changed. This Fourth Industrial Revolution has the potential to raise global income and improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.”

He reminded Sarawak entrepreneurs, especially those running small and medium enterprises, on the need to adopt modern technology and be creative and innovative to remain relevant and competitive.

He said now they can no longer rely on low cost, low technology and labour-intensive strategy for economic growth.

“Our domestic market is small, so there is more reason for our entrepreneurs to go regional and global, leveraging on digital technology,” he added.