LONG TERAWAN, BARAM 6 April 2021 – The Chief Minister, Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg launched the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) Initiative by Sarawak Digital Economic Corporation Berhad (SDEC) at a ceremony in Long Terawan today.
MySRBN is a Sarawak Digital transformation initiative by the Sarawak Government under SDEC, as part of the State’s effort to digitalise Sarawak’s economy and to connect the rural communities with the rest of the world. The primary role of SDEC is to spearhead a digital economy initiative that aims to revolutionise Sarawak’s economy and industries and spur socioeconomic growth and advancement.
By deploying Fixed Wireless Berhad (FWB) technology, SDEC has begun its drive to roll out high-speed broadband services to Sarawak’s suburban and rural areas. The targeted FWB areas are 150 locations spanning schools, educational institutions, longhouses, community centers and religious institutions.
Chairman of SDEC, Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Bin Abdul Ghani said, “The digital economy is for all – it is a new sector that is being developed to provide all Sarawakians with access to knowledge, wealth creation and upskilling through connectivity. The Digital Economy drive is not just a ‘trendy’ policy – it is a long-term initiative that will accelerate the people’s economic growth, enable them to become successful entrepreneurs and alter Sarawak’s economic future.”
“While Sarawak enjoys high GDP per capita, urban areas enjoy much better access and connectivity compared to rural areas. SDEC aims to bridge this vast digital divide via MySRBN. With a faster, affordable, available and reliable broadband experience, our rural communities will be given a platform to develop a culture economy and a strong SME base as well as accessibility to quality education at all times.”
“The digital economy for our rural population under MySRBN will complement and elevate our native culture and heritage by developing new linkages regionally and globally. We will be able to generate new innovative businesses and create high-value employment opportunities. The access to good quality education will not only increase literacy levels but open up a world of new insights and possibilities to students in rural areas.”
Sarawak Chief Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg pointed out that Digital Connectivity is no more a luxury but a crucial necessity and in the spirit of Sarawakku Sayangku, to include every Sarawakian, particularly our rural communities (the backbone of Sarawak), in this dynamic digital ecosystem.
“With MySRBN, the rural communities of Sarawak are given a platform to boost participation and build a strong SME base by developing new linkages domestically and globally. There will be a wider scope for members of the rural community become successful entrepreneurs and gamechangers Sarawak’s economic future.”
This was echoed by ADUN of Mulu YB Dato Gerawat Gala as he mentioned how bridging the digital divide through digital transformation initiatives will provide a platform for rural communities, particularly rural students, to participate in Sarawak’s economy.
YB Dato Gerawat Gala expressed his appreciation towards the Chief Minister and the government for launching MySRBN here in Lg. Terawan and mentioned that the initiative will directly benefit 23 Sekolah Rendahs and 2 Sekolah Menengahs in the Mulu district. This along with the RM1.5 billion allocated by the government towards 52 basic infrastructure projects involving roads, water and electrical plants under the Highland Development Agency (HDA) will greatly speed up development and prosperity in the Baram region.
YAB Chief Minister concluded, “MySRBN will truly benefit all Sarawakians. In the true Sarawakian culture of inclusivity and collaboration, it is important that we work together, as Sarawakians, to achieve our status as a digital economy powerhouse and sustain this for generations to come.”
