LAWAS – The town of Lawas is positioned to become a central hub for telecommunications and multimedia growth in northern Sarawak, a development that is expected to advance the state’s digital economy by 2030.
According to Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, telecommunications should be viewed not as a luxury but as a fundamental right for all citizens.
During the Limbang Division’s Sarawak Telecommunications and Multimedia Development Session, held at Hotel Seri Malaysia, Awang Tengah emphasized the importance of widespread connectivity.
He stated that access to information, economic opportunities, and educational resources should be equally available to residents in rural areas as it is to those in urban centers.
The Deputy Premier also called for a collective effort to ensure the success of these projects. He urged implementing agencies, contractors, and the local community to collaborate and prevent issues such as vandalism and theft of materials from hindering progress.
He underscored the need for reliable infrastructure and essential services to enable the community to fully engage in all aspects of development.
Highlighting Lawas’s strategic geographical position, Awang Tengah noted its proximity to Sabah, Brunei, and Kalimantan, which makes it a key gateway for international trade, investment, and tourism. This location further strengthens its potential as a telecommunications hub.
The event also included a significant moment with the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and the Malaysian Nuclear Agency.
This partnership is aimed at boosting cooperation in telecommunications development, research, and innovation in digital technology.
The collaboration is intended to ensure that the construction of telecommunications infrastructure in Sarawak meets all national safety and quality standards.