KUCHING residents by 2025 can use their smartphones to tap into the city’s security system to access surveillance cameras in their neighbourhood under the Sarawak capital’s smart city masterplan.

The plan, launched by Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg today, will also allow private security companies to leverage on the system’s capabilities such as intrusion detection, face recognition and geo-fencing.

The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), which will be responsible for governance and implementation of the masterplan, said the smart city digital infrastructure platform and essential shared applications will provide “innovative user-centric services and create limitless business opportunities”.

“A key concept in the masterplan is the smart city operating system, where it aims to deliver various system services to enable the service providers within the smart city ecosystem to participate together in innovating the city services,” SMA general manager Zaidi Razak said.

The system is not limited to only to government agencies.

He said even the private sector and community could package and deliver their services and products using the shared smart city applications.

It took the SMA 10 months and extensive engagement with 14 government agencies and 1,236 public respondents – captains of industry, government and non-government organisations representing various interest groups – to draw up the masterplan, according to Zaidi.

The masterplan details Sarawak’s cities can be made more liveable and prosperous for people and businesses, by using Kuching as a model.

Making Kuching a “smart city” is in line with the state’s post Covid-19 development strategy initiatives and its 12th Malaysia Plan objectives.

One area of focus in the masterplan is the Darul Hana housing project – a relocation of some residents living in a string of Malay villages along the north bank of the Sarawak River, Abang Johari said.

After Kuching, the next area of focus could be the industrial town of Samalaju in Bintulu, the chief minister added.

SMA said one of the key outcomes of the masterplan “city competitiveness” that can attract twin cities partnerships, generates investment and talent inflow and retention.

“These will lead to job creation, a vibrant tourism sector, a safe and environmentally friendly city with public services at their fingertips 24/7,” SMA said. – October 5, 2021.