KUCHING: Sellers in Sarawak generated nearly RM12 million in sales through TikTok Shop in 2025 alone, reflecting the growing impact of the Sarawak Digital Mall initiative in strengthening local participation in the digital economy.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said the achievement demonstrated how structured digital interventions could translate into tangible economic outcomes for local entrepreneurs.
“The Sarawak Digital Mall initiative was designed with a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes, particularly in equipping local entrepreneurs with practical skills to operate online businesses with greater confidence and effectiveness.
“More than 350 Sarawak entrepreneurs have successfully completed training under this initiative and become active sellers on digital platforms,” he said.
He said this in his speech read by SME Adviser to the Ministry for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, during the Sarawak Digital Mall ‘Pesta Lokal’ launching event at the Kuching Waterfront on Friday (Jan 23).
He also said participants also benefited from the Seller Incentive Package provided by the Sarawak Government, which includes vouchers, advertising credits and affiliate incentives worth up to RM5,000 per eligible seller.
“Programmes such as the Sarawak Live Selling Competition have demonstrated the ability of local sellers to engage audiences and conduct live selling effectively.
‘One particularly proud success story is Amazing Penan Store Miri, which recorded an approximately 120 per cent increase in sales after joining the Sarawak Digital Mall.
“More than 30 Penan women weavers are now earning consistent monthly incomes, clearly demonstrating that the digital economy can empower communities while preserving local cultural heritage,” he added.
He stressed that digital transformation is an ongoing journey, with the Sarawak Government remaining committed to ensuring no entrepreneur is left behind through continuous support, targeted interventions and practical guidance.
“The true measure of success of the digital economy lies in its impact on the people – in creating higher income opportunities, generating new jobs and building more resilient communities,” he said, adding that digital entrepreneurship also offers Sarawakian youth viable career pathways within the state while enabling access to global markets.
Awang Tengah said digitalisation should not be viewed as a threat to heritage, but rather as a competitive advantage when technology is used to strengthen local identity, in line with Sarawak’s vision of shared prosperity under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He said this approach underpinned the organisation of the TikTok Shop Sarawak Digital Mall Carnival ‘Pesta Lokal’, which reflects the Sarawak Government’s commitment to ensuring local entrepreneurs can participate meaningfully in the digital economic transformation.
“The carnival is the result of continued strategic collaboration between the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak, the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and TikTok Shop Malaysia to develop a more inclusive digital commerce ecosystem in the state,” said Awang Tengah.
