DARO: In an effort to accelerate digital transformation in rural areas, the Sarawak Government has launched the latest version of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) which offers better facilities for local residents.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, said that this programme is part of the Sarawak government's initiative to improve communication access and bring remote areas into the country's digital development stream.

"The upgraded MySRBN has received an encouraging response with registrations increasing to 431 members in a short time, and this number continues to increase.

"This program leverages the smart towers developed by SDEC (Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation) and collaborates with various parties including the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to ensure that MySRBN facilities are also available at Jendela towers in the future," he said.

He said this during a press conference after the Launching Ceremony of the New Coverage of MySRBN Sarawak at Pulau Bruit, Daro on Sunday.

In addition, Dato Sri Julaihi also witnessed the Exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SDEC and U Mobile.

Meanwhile, Dato Sri Julaihi added that the Sarawak government has allocated RM2.3 billion to develop Program Saluran which includes the construction of 618 towers throughout the state plus 18 additional towers to expand coverage to remote areas.

He said that through this initiative, the actual cost for monthly access to the MySRBN service has been reduced from RM70 to RM20, with the rest borne by the government through a fixed subsidy.

Apart from facilitating better communication, MySRBN also aims to increase the participation of rural residents in the digital economy, especially in online businesses.

“Local products such as sos unjur and songket Belawai can now be marketed more widely through digital transactions, opening up more opportunities for SMEs in Sarawak to grow and reach a wider market,” he said.

He further explained that the Sarawak Government is committed to ensuring that all residents, including those in rural areas, benefit from digital development and are getting closer to the target of becoming a high-income region by 2030.

Also present were the Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information & UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Tanjung Manis Member of Parliament, Ir Yusuf Abdul Wahab, Igan Member of Parliament, Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, Chief Executive Officer of SDEC, Dato Ir Ts Sudarmoto Osman, Mukah Division Resident, Datu Kueh Lei Poh, Director of MCMC Sarawak, Adiman Ajem and other distinguished guests.-UKASnews