PRESS RELEASE
OFFICIAL VISIT BY THE MINISTER OF DIGITAL TO SAINS, KUCHING – COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING THE NATIONAL DIGITAL AGENDA
KUCHING, 16 May 2025 – Yang Berhormat Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, today paid an official visit to the Headquarters of Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS), as part of the Ministry of Digital’s commitment to supporting the comprehensive implementation of the national digitalisation agenda.
The purpose of the visit was to gain first hand insights into the digital implementation model developed by SAINS, including its digital infrastructure, service delivery systems, cybersecurity measures, and data governance practices. SAINS is recognised as a key entity in advancing the digitalisation of Sarawak State Government services.
YB Minister also expressed his highest appreciation to the Sarawak State Government and SAINS for their strong commitment towards advancing the state’s digital transformation. According to him, SAINS’s contributions are not only vital for Sarawak’s development but also have the potential to significantly impact the implementation of the national digitalisation agenda.
In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the comprehensive development of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), several strategic initiatives have been undertaken, including the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) and the implementation of GovTech Malaysia – both aimed at developing smart, responsive, and data-driven government services.
To support the implementation of GovTech, the Federal Government has gazetted the Data Sharing Act as federal law. This Act serves as a critical foundation for promoting secure, ethical, and effective data sharing among government agencies. In the long term, the Act is expected to be expanded to facilitate collaboration between the Federal Government and State Governments — including Sarawak — in establishing a truly integrated end-to-end digital ecosystem.
YB Minister emphasised that close cooperation between the Federal and State Governments is crucial in realising a sustainable and competitive national digital ecosystem. Through cross-government data sharing, collective strengths can be leveraged to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of service delivery to the people.
On 28 April, YB Minister of Digital undertook an official visit to Penang. During the visit, the Minister called upon the Penang State Government to enact legislation that would enable data sharing. YAB Chief Minister of Penang also expressed the State Government's agreement to proceed with the formulation of such legislation.
Earlier this morning, YB Minister of Digital also held a meeting with the YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, Premier of Sarawak, to discuss the need for similar legislation to be formulated in order to enable data sharing in the state of Sarawak.
YB Minister of Digital, Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, stated that he observed a positive response from the YAB Premier of Sarawak regarding the proposal. The Premier conveyed that the Sarawak State Government would study and consider the proposal in the near future.
From the Federal Government’s perspective, this visit is also significant in assessing the state's level of readiness and current achievements in digitalisation. It provides an opportunity to explore strategic areas of collaboration that could deliver mutual competitive advantages to both parties – including in the areas of technology exchange, expertise sharing, and the development of more inclusive digital policies.
YB Minister expressed his optimism that strong and complementary collaboration between the Federal and State Governments will accelerate the achievement of Malaysia’s goal to become a globally competitive digital nation.
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Issued by:
Office of the Minister
Ministry of Digital, Malaysia
