ACROSS Sarawak’s expansive interior, from Kapit’s rainforest-covered highlands to Limbang’s river settlements, rural communities continue to build businesses rooted in local knowledge, natural resources, and cultural traditions.
Yet, despite their potential, many entrepreneurs remain disconnected from the digital marketplace that could expand their reach far beyond their villages.
Their products are abundant and often of high quality, but they remain unseen by wider markets not because of a lack of capability, but because of a persistent digital divide.
While Sarawak progresses towards a digital economy, many enterprises in remote areas continue to be left out, limiting both income opportunities and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The challenges are structural, broad, and layered. Initiatives such as JENDELA and SALURAN have extended connectivity to many populated areas, with national 4G coverage targets now exceeding ninety per cent.
However, Sarawak’s vast terrain, dense forests, and dispersed settlements have historically slowed network expansion to remote communities.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has acknowledged that a significant communication gap persists, resulting in disparities in access to information, markets, and economic opportunities.
Even in areas where connectivity is available, many rural entrepreneurs, particularly older or Indigenous individuals, may lack access to smartphones, digital literacy, or familiarity with e-commerce.
Without online access, digital payments or social media marketing, they rely on middlemen or infrequent trips to urban centres to sell their goods, often earning only a fraction of their products’ true value.
The Sarawak government has made significant investments in digital entrepreneurship through the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation, established in 2020 under the state’s post-COVID-19 development strategy.
SDEC has introduced initiatives to strengthen digital literacy and e-commerce capabilities, including digital literacy bootcamps, collaborations with platforms such as Shopee, and assistance for rural vendors in developing an online presence.
In rural areas where connectivity and training are available, entrepreneurs are beginning to explore new opportunities.
With stable 4G access enabled by JENDELA and SALURAN upgrades, producers can list products like Iban pua kumbu on platforms such as Shopee or Facebook Marketplace, communicate directly with buyers, and promote their crafts via social media.
Digital tools, such as WhatsApp Business and e-wallets, help them manage orders and strengthen customer relations more effectively.
Thanks to SDEC’s training, many learn to create simple online catalogues and use digital payments – skills that help them move beyond selling just enough to get by.
Although success stories from the most remote regions are still emerging, early participants in SDEC’s programmes have reported making their first online sales during training, marking an important step towards expanding their businesses.
Participation, however, remains higher in urban areas, reflecting a continued urban–rural digital participation gap.
While connectivity has improved in many towns and larger villages, it remains inconsistent or absent in the most isolated settlements.
This uneven access, combined with limited devices and low digital confidence, means many rural entrepreneurs have yet to benefit from these initiatives.
These realities reflect the priorities outlined in the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 and the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy, both of which emphasise inclusive digital participation and equitable economic opportunities.
A practical way forward is to expand and strengthen Digital Innovation Hubs and establish new hubs tailored specifically for rural communities.
These centres, operated with support from SDEC, non-governmental organisations, and district councils, can provide three core services.
The first is offline digital training delivered in local dialects, including Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu languages, supported by visual materials and hands-on activities to teach basic skills such as product photography, e-wallet usage, and simple platform listing.
The second is community-based logistics coordination, where producers can send goods to the hub for consolidated delivery, helping overcome last-mile transportation challenges.
Partnerships with Pos Malaysia or rural boat operators could make scheduled and affordable shipments to urban collection points possible.
The third is the development of a Sarawak Heritage Marketplace, designed either as a mobile application or a WhatsApp-based storefront, featuring verified rural Sarawak producers and highlighting the cultural stories behind their products.
Rural entrepreneurs must take the lead in this transformation. Instead of relying on external solutions, many are proactively finding ways to access broader markets by organising group training sessions, pooling resources for shared devices, or inviting returning relatives with digital skills to assist in setting up online listings during holiday visits.
With appropriate support, these initiatives have the potential to develop into sustainable businesses.
Digital tools serve not only to provide convenience for rural entrepreneurs but also to play a vital role in safeguarding cultural crafts, ensuring fair income, and enabling businesses to develop independently.
Sarawak’s true strength lies in its natural resources, as well as the creativity, knowledge, and resilience of its people.
Through bridging the digital gap with inclusive, community-driven innovation, the state can ensure that rural entrepreneurs are not merely participants but also leaders in the digital economy.
● Monica Wong is an MBAi Graduate of the School of Business, Faculty of Business, Design and Arts, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at mvoon@swinburne.edu.my.
