KUCHING: Miri is set to become the first smart city in Sarawak with a range of applications providing local government services to the public.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg said the initiative was part of the state government’s efforts to improve municipal services through digital technology.
He said the smart city concept would be extended to other urban areas in the state if it proved to be successful in Miri.
“This is a test bed for us to study the effectiveness of using smart applications in providing services to Miri residents.
“As of today, I was informed that all the applications that are used by the Miri Municipal Council have positive results, at the same time closing the gap between residents and the council,” Abang Johari said after launching the smart city concept in Miri on Monday (April 12).
For instance, he said the smart bus app enabled commuters to monitor the movement of buses in real time and know what time their bus will arrive at their stop.
He added that the state government would monitor the implementation of the initiative in Miri before extending it to other cities, including Kuching, Sibu and Bintulu.
“Later on, it will be extended to other areas and the whole of Sarawak will become smart Sarawak. By 2030, we will have all these facilities throughout Sarawak,” he said.
Miri mayor Adam Yii said the smart city concept involved 10 applications which were being implemented in stages.
Among others, he said the safe city and safe parks initiatives at Wireless Walk, Bulatan Park and Miri City Fan, consisting mainly of CCTV and panic button smart poles, had proven to be effective.
“Not long after the installation of the emergency alert device, one member of the public had used the panic button to alert the council’s command centre.
“This had enabled a medical team to arrive at the scene promptly and give due medical attention to one park user who had fainted,” he said.
Other applications include digital signage, smart bus to check routes and pay fares electronically, smart truck to keep track of garbage trucks and smart drain to monitor water levels and trigger flood alarms.
“This is the beginning for Miri City Council to put in more efforts to cover more applications with a wider scope for the benefit of the people of Miri,” Yii said.
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BM