BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & JACINTHA JOLENE
KUCHING: Sarawak should embrace robotics technology to assist humans across various fields, particularly in addressing the needs of an ageing population, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said robots could be deployed to support human workers and improve efficiency in various sectors, provided they were programmed and used for beneficial purposes.
“Robots can assist us in all fields where they are needed. If robots are used to help humans, they can work together with us to produce goods and provide services,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the launch of AI for Makers in conjunction with the Borneo Makers Festival 2026 held at TEGAS Digital Village here Sunday.
Abang Johari said countries such as Japan and Germany had already adopted robotics technology, including in the healthcare sector, where robots could assist medical personnel during surgical procedures.
He noted that robots could perform highly precise movements without the shaking that could occur with human hands, making them useful in certain medical procedures.
However, he acknowledged concerns that excessive reliance on robots could affect employment, particularly in countries with large populations such as China.
“For us, our state is relatively small, with a population of just over two million. Perhaps we can use robots to assist us in various fields,” he said.
Abang Johari said robotics could also play a role in supporting the elderly as Sarawak prepares to face the challenges of an ageing society.
He said elderly people who required assistance with certain tasks could potentially benefit from robotic technology.
“This means technology is now increasingly taking over sectors where humans need assistance,” he said.
