MIRI: The unity government has vowed to ensure rural Sarawak is not sidelined in Malaysia’s race to become an AI-powered nation by 2030.
Deputy Digital Minister, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, made the pledge today at the ‘Jelajah Komuniti Digital’ roadshow in Rumah Johnson Jangu, Seloi Tengah, Sibuti, underscoring the government’s commitment to “leave no one behind” in its digital transformation agenda.
“This is not just ceremony or symbolism. It is a statement that even in Sibuti, the unity government is serious about equipping every citizen for the digital future,” Ugak told villagers and officials gathered for the launch.
“Digital access must be universal, not confined to the cities.”
As part of the programme, Ugak also announced a grant of RM25,000 from his Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocation to support the longhouse community – a gesture that drew loud applause from residents.
Ugak said the roadshow, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital with agencies including MyDIGITAL Corporation and MYNIC Bhd, represents the government’s determination to deliver digital equity.
“The unity government is showing through action that rural Sarawak matters in our journey to becoming a resilient and inclusive digital nation,” he said.
Pointing to AI’s role in agriculture, healthcare and education, Ugak stressed that the government’s priority was to empower rural households with digital skills, enabling them to tap opportunities in farming, small business and online platforms.
“In agriculture, for example, AI can detect crop diseases, monitor weather, and determine the best harvest time,” he said.
“Digital AgTech is not just about improving farmers’ income. It’s about protecting national food security.”
Ugak also raised alarm over the rise of online scams, describing them as a national threat that demanded both government intervention and individual awareness.
“Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated with fake websites, phishing messages and impersonation calls.
“We are strengthening cyber defences, but ultimately, vigilance starts with the people,” he said.
CyberSecurity Malaysia and other agencies were intensifying safeguards, he noted, but the public must adopt digital literacy as a shield.
“Don’t be blinded by false promises or pressured into rash decisions,” he urged.
Ugak highlighted the work of agencies under his ministry, from Digital Nasional Bhd’s 5G rollout to MDEC’s talent-building programmes and the Department of Personal Data Protection’s privacy safeguards.
“These agencies are part of a coordinated push to make Malaysia the digital heartbeat of ASEAN,” he said.
He said the unity government’s role was to create a framework where citizens were not merely consumers of new technologies but active creators and innovators.
The ‘Jelajah Komuniti Digital’ initiative is expected to travel to other rural districts across Sarawak, with the goal of raising digital literacy, boosting online safety and preparing young people for the gig economy.
Ugak’s message was clear, that rural Sarawakians must equally benefit from Malaysia’s digital journey.
“Every child in Sibuti deserves the same access to coding classes and AI knowledge as a child in Kuala Lumpur,” he declared.
“The unity government is committed to making that happen,” he added.
Also present at the event was Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development II, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat.
