Sarawak is leading Malaysia’s digital transformation with a strong commitment to green urbanism and cybersecurity. As smart city systems become mainstream, ensuring digital safety is key to building trust and resilience in a low‑carbon future.
CyberSarawak: Building Digital Trust
Launched in October 2024, CyberSarawak is Sarawak Multimedia Authority’s (SMA) proactive initiative under the theme “Stay Safe, Stay Smart, Stay Secure.” It enhances public cybersecurity awareness, helps detect threats, and strengthens public sector cybersecurity capabilities. CyberSarawak also aligns with the national Cybersecurity Bill and Sarawak’s broader Digital Economy Strategy.
Sarawak now operates a dedicated Cybersecurity Command Centre to advise state agencies, SMEs, and citizens on data protection, risk management, and cyber incident responses. Awareness campaigns target youth and SMEs, with workshops across Kuching, Miri, and Bintulu. These efforts aim to minimize threats to smart city infrastructure such as IoT devices, transport systems, and digital ID platforms.
Digital Coverage & Connectivity
By 2023, Sarawak’s 4G coverage reached 61.6% of populated areas, with over 2,000 new towers under construction to bridge rural gaps. The state aims to increase its 5G site deployments to 587 by end‑2024 and has launched pilot smart-city zones in Miri and Kuching.
Sarawak’s Low‑Carbon Strategy
In 2023, Sarawak passed the landmark Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emission) Bill, making it the first Malaysian state with legally binding carbon goals. The Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 outlines 10 strategic thrusts—including sustainable mobility, green logistics, and energy-efficient cities. The state targets net-zero by 2050, with over 111 policy actions already in motion.
Notable Green Achievements:
- Hydropower now contributes 70% of Sarawak’s energy mix.
- Tree‑planting campaigns (e.g. Greening Sarawak) target 35 million trees by 2025.
- IDECS 2024 was the first carbon-accountable conference in Borneo, offsetting 337,495 kg CO₂e via local solutions.
- Kuching hosted Malaysia’s first Net-Zero Centre of Excellence in 2025, powered by AI and data analytics.
Tech-Driven Climate Innovation
Sarawak combines smart tech and sustainability through initiatives like:
- Smart Miri City: Solar street lights, data centres, electric buses, and smart drains.
- Hydrogen Projects: The Rembus, H2ornbill, and H2biscus projects aim to produce over 240,000 tonnes of green hydrogen by 2028.
- Battery Energy Storage (BESS): Malaysia’s first utility‑scale BESS launched at Sejingkat in 2024.
- Algae Biogas Carbon Capture at Sejingkat Power Station (pilot phase).
Cybersecurity in Smart Cities
As IoT devices and AI tools fuel low‑carbon systems, cyber threats such as system hijacking or data breaches increase. CyberSarawak helps secure smart grids, energy monitoring, and public transport through:
- Advanced encryption for data sensors
- Public-private incident response drills
- Mandatory security protocols for digital infrastructure vendors
Challenges & The Road Ahead
The main challenges lie in digital literacy gaps and lack of cyber talent, especially in rural areas. SMA plans to establish cybersecurity modules in school curriculums and universities, targeting 10,000 trained personnel by 2030.
With Sarawak’s digital economy projected to contribute 20% to state GDP by 2030, securing this infrastructure is non-negotiable. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s climate security, citizen protection, and trust-building for sustainable growth.
Sarawak’s model of integrating cybersecurity into digital and environmental governance sets a new national benchmark. It proves that a resilient, low-carbon city must be as secure as it is sustainable.
| Metric | Value |
| 4G Coverage (2023) | 61.6% |
| Targeted 5G Sites by 2024 | 587 |
| Renewable Energy Share | 70% from hydropower |
| Green Hydrogen Production Goal | 240,000 t/year by 2028 |
| IDECS 2024 Carbon Footprint | 337,495 kg CO₂e |
| Tree-Planting Campaign | 35 million trees by 2025 |
Table 1: Key digital and low‑carbon development statistics in Sarawak, highlighting infrastructure progress, renewable energy goals, and climate action milestones supporting a secure and sustainable urban ecosystem.
References
- https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/10/16/sarawak-strengthens-digital-security-with-cybersarawak-ai-governance-guidelines/
- https://dayakdaily.com/sma-to-launch-cybersarawak-to-strengthen-states-cybersecurity-drive-digital-innovation/
- https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/10/05/sarawaks-ambitious-digital-plans-gain-momentum
- https://www.reccessary.com/en/news/sarawak-leads-with-first-local-based-sustainability-plan
- https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/sustainability-matters/univers-and-sdec-establish-net-zero-centre-excellence-sarawak
- https://www.sarawaksmart.com/v2/powering-progress-innovation-in-renewable-energy-through-digital-transformation-in-sarawak/
- https://www.enterpriseitnews.com.my/sarawaks-digitalisation-a-foundation-of-cybersecurity-and-resilient-infrastructure/
- https://www.sarawaktribune.com/miri-marks-20-years-as-a-city-with-vision-for-a-green-smart-and-liveable-future/
- https://www.sarawaktribune.com/idecs25-to-set-new-standard-in-climate-accountability/
- https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/idecs-2024-concludes-initiatives-drive-sarawaks-sustainable-digital-future
- https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2396387
- https://premier.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/5683
