KUCHING, Dec 9 — The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will continue to focus on bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas to drive the state’s economic growth in the future, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy youth chief, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.

He said that internet access in Sarawak has now reached 65 per cent, and the state government would continue digital development to ensure the Sarawakians could enjoy stable internet connectivity.

“But we also need to understand that when we talk about this digital divide, this means the connectivity gap. This is what we need to resolve first, and once we resolve it, it will spur economic activities at these places.

“The opportunities will be endless as they can learn and do something through the Internet-of-Things because they already have the connectivity. That is important,” he said in an interview in the Bicara Sarawak programme, entitled “Mendigitalkan Masa Depan”, produced by Bernama TV today.

PBB is one of the GPS component parties. Other parties in the coalition are the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

On Wednesday, GPS chairman and Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, launched the coalition’s manifesto for the Sarawak 12th State Election.

Among the contents of the manifesto is to expand telecommunications coverage and digital facilities, as well as to drive Sarawak’s economic development through the digital economy agenda.

Fazzrudin, who is also the coalition candidate for the Tupong seat, said that GPS would continue its internet connectivity initiative after winning the state election.

“We have a proven track record. We are not just talking, but we have already shown the success of its implementation,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency