KUCHING: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development’s (MUDENR) Creative and Innovative Group (KIK) initiative has emerged as one of the most successful innovation programmes in Sarawak.
This has contributed significantly to the improvements in public service delivery and earning recognition at the state, national and international levels.
The Creative and Innovative Group (KIK) programme is a public sector initiative that encourages civil servants to work in teams to identify workplace challenges and develop innovative solutions to improve efficiency, productivity and service delivery.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the KIK programme, which originated from the Land and Survey Department before being expanded across the ministry and its agencies, has consistently produced innovations that enhance service efficiency and project implementation.
“This is something I can honestly say is among the most successful initiatives in the state.
“Every year, the programme has contributed towards better services and the implementation of projects and programmes, resulting in numerous state, national and international awards,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the closing ceremony of MUDENR’s KIK Convention 2026 at Imperial Hotel here on Thursday (Jun 11).
Awang Tengah noted that the convention, now in its fourth edition, serves as an important platform to strengthen the culture of innovation and creativity within the public sector while enhancing productivity, service delivery and the competency of civil servants.
Highlighting several notable achievements resulting from KIK initiatives, he pointed to the implementation of the ISO-certified eSPA and Same Day Registration system, which enables land registration to be completed within the same day.
According to him, the system has become a benchmark for other states and has received recognition at the national level.
“When I attended the National Land Council (NCL) meeting, many of them were impressed that Sarawak had managed to improve its service delivery through same-day registration, something that has yet to be achieved by many other states,” he said.
He also cited innovations in land surveying and land acquisition monitoring systems that have represented Sarawak at international quality and innovation conventions.
Among the ministry’s notable achievements, he said, is the SaraPeg, an innovation developed by the Land and Survey Department, which successfully progressed from an initial idea to design, mass production and eventual commercialisation.
“It is the first innovation to complete the full KIK cycle, from concept development to commercialisation,” he said.
Awang Tengah stressed that innovation should not be confined to senior management, noting that officers on the ground often possess valuable insights into operational challenges and practical solutions.
He encouraged civil servants to embrace an open culture where ideas can be freely shared without fear of criticism.
“Sometimes what may initially seem like a crazy idea can eventually become a useful and impactful innovation. We should never be afraid to voice our ideas,” he said.
He added that limitations in time, resources and increasing workloads should not be viewed as obstacles, but rather as catalysts for generating more creative and effective solutions.
Awang Tengah said such innovations are vital in supporting Sarawak’s long-term development agenda under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, while ensuring the delivery of efficient and people-centric public services.
A total of 31 KIK groups participated in this year’s convention, presenting innovative ideas and solutions aimed at enhancing service delivery and supporting the state’s development agenda.
