Be prepared for drone technology, young S’wakians told
KUCHING: Young Sarawakians are urged to brace for drone technology.
In this regard, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg reminds them that drone technology is destined to shape up the people’s life sooner than later.
He also believes that soon, farmers may not have to physically water or apply fertilisers to their crops because all these can be done through drones.
Drones, he adds, can also be installed with cameras to take pictures.
“In other words, farmers can use drones to manage their farms. So in the future we will have farmers, whom we called smart farmers, who will use drones to manage their farms.
“For example – if you plant pineapples, you will be able to know how many acres you have through drones. The drones will be used to see which pineapples have ripened and which have not.
“Farmers will no longer use motorbikes or cars, or even walk, to apply fertilisers to and water their crops.
“They can let the drones fly and do the work,” he spoke at the launch of the inaugural Borneo International Drone and Robotic Explore (Drobex) here yesterday.
Abang Johari also noted that drones could also be used for other purposes, including seeing fishes swim in the pond, but most importantly, there would be jobs being created as a result of the drone technology and its advancements.
He said if previously a pilot was always connected with a plane, today there is a new job called ‘drone pilot’.
The Chief Minister, however, reminded that should anyone want to handle drones, the person must undergo certain training and be certified.
“And this training is quite rigorous because we have to learn how to handle a drone. First, we must know what a drone is and you must know how high a drone can fly. Normally, it can fly up to between 3km and 10km high.
“Aside from that, you must also know the maximum radius a drone can fly. These are the things that you need to know; certainly the skills to handle it via remote control are also important. All of these need training,” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out that it was the Sarawak government’s hope to use the latest technology to develop the state; thus, he called upon Sarawakian parents to encourage their children to learn Physics, Mathematics, English and other subjects associated with engineering.
He regarded these subjects as being very important in mastering this rapidlychanging technology.
Abang Johari also said aside from drones, there was also a need for Sarawakians to prepare for robotics operation, which might be incorporated in the tourism, service and health sectors in the near future.
“Robots, a er being programmed, can solve many of our problems,” he added.
Later when approached by reporters, Abang Johari said there were cyber laws that regulated the use of drones and the Sarawak government would have to work together with the Department of Civil Aviation to legalise its uses.
He acknowledged that there were certain restricted zones where the operation and handling of drones must not be authorised.
“If we want to operate a drone in certain areas, we have to get a licence from the Department of Civil Aviation and then the pilot must be certified so that they would know how to operate the drone within certain legal framework,” he said.
Assistant Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources Datu Len Talif Salleh and Assistant Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil were also present.