Smart Moves for Sarawak’s Future

The Sarawak government continues to steer a bold transformation in line with Malaysia’s broader digital economy aspirations. By equipping communities, cooperatives, and remote regions with digital tools, Sarawak is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic empowerment and long-term innovation.

Shifting Cooperatives into the Digital Age

Malaysia’s cooperatives – especially those based in Sarawak – are being encouraged to evolve beyond conventional operations. This push is spearheaded by Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), Datuk Ewon Benedick, who recently introduced the Cooperative Digitalisation Action Plan. The plan emphasizes transitioning traditional businesses onto digital platforms, enhancing cooperative capabilities in online transactions, digital marketing, cashless payment systems, and e-commerce integration.

For cooperatives in rural districts such as Kapit, this transformation opens the door to regional and international markets previously inaccessible. It also enables members – many of whom are part of low-income or aging communities – to generate higher value from their products or services through improved digital visibility.

As of the end of 2023, Malaysia had over 15,000 registered cooperatives, comprising more than 7 million members, collectively contributing RM 46.5 billion to the national GDP.

Widening Access Through Digital Literacy Programs

Recognising that technology alone is not enough, digital literacy initiatives are being rolled out to equip citizens – especially in underserved areas – with the skills needed to thrive in a digital world. Among these is SayaDigital, a national campaign aimed at promoting awareness, confidence, and skills related to internet usage, digital financial tools, and online entrepreneurship. It has played a key role in empowering individuals in rural Sarawak to participate in digital platforms and access essential services.

Another targeted tool is Jejak Asnaf, a mobile application launched in 2017 to serve Malaysia’s asnaf (hardcore poor and zakat-eligible) communities. The app allows users to update personal data and connect with government assistance programs. However, despite its potential, uptake of Jejak Asnaf has been limited due to low public awareness, digital illiteracy, and poor internet connectivity in some areas.

Bridging this digital divide remains a pressing concern, especially as more services – such as health aid, microfinancing, and training – become digitised.

Improving Connectivity Infrastructure

A key enabler of these digital efforts is infrastructure. Sarawak’s geography presents a unique challenge: vast forests, mountainous terrain, and scattered rural populations make traditional connectivity rollouts difficult. To address this, the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) has partnered with private telcos and technology providers to expand coverage using Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Multi-Operator Core Networks (MOCN).

These technologies allow more flexible deployment of broadband services, making it possible to connect remote communities without relying solely on costly fibre infrastructure. Major telcos – including CelcomDigi, Maxis, and U Mobile – are now part of this shared tower initiative, enabling greater coverage at lower cost.

By Q3 2024, Sarawak had achieved 93.87% 4G mobile coverage and approximately 90.09% internet coverage in populated areas. These figures reflect substantial progress, but rural pockets still lag behind and remain the focus of upcoming infrastructure projects.

Table: Key Digital and Cooperative Sector Metrics

Table 1 showcases the cooperative sector’s economic footprint and Sarawak’s progress in digital infrastructure development.

Benefits and Barriers

Sarawak’s integrated digital push is producing tangible social and economic outcomes. Cooperatives are slowly modernising, digital skills are improving, and rural communities are gaining greater access to opportunities. These developments foster entrepreneurship, reduce urban-rural disparities, and increase participation in the digital economy.

Yet, challenges persist. Applications like Jejak Asnaf, while functional, struggle with visibility and usage due to low literacy or limited device access. Similarly, infrastructure gaps in deep rural zones still hinder consistent internet access. Ensuring that new technologies are culturally sensitive, affordable, and aligned with local needs will be essential for closing the gap.

Another critical factor is sustained training. Short-term campaigns must evolve into long-term digital literacy support systems embedded within schools, cooperatives, and community centers.

Sarawak’s ambitious digital roadmap – driven by cooperative modernisation, inclusive apps, and infrastructure investment – is creating a more equitable and future-ready state economy. To build on this momentum, continuous collaboration between state bodies, telcos, community leaders, and education providers is needed. Digital transformation is no longer optional; it is the foundation of a resilient, inclusive, and competitive Sarawak.

References

1. https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2023/11/08/koperasi-diminta-aplikasi-platform-teknologi-digital-ewon
2. https://www.tvsarawak.my/2023/03/25/aplikasi-jejak-asnaf-plaftorm-digital-bantu-mereka-kurang-berkemampuan/
3. https://www.tvsarawak.my/2022/08/15/gerakan-sayadigital-bantu-tingkat-literasi-digital-rakyat/
4. https://www.sarawaktribune.com/bringing-digital-world-to-sungai-asap-community/
5. https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/05/01/reach-ten-celcomdigi-team-up-in-sarawak
6. https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/02/20/sdec-strengthens-sarawaks-digital-connectivity-through-public-private-partnerships/
7. https://www.sarawaktribune.com/communicating-change-through-digital-inclusivity/
8. https://www.sarawaktribune.com/utilise-digital-platforms-for-greater-engagement-melanau-community-told/