Dr. Zaidi Razak, GM of SMA looks on as the Right Honourable Chief Minister Sarawak pays for his food with Sarawak Pay e-wallet.

Photo Source: Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak (UKAS)

SIBU, 16 September 2020 – Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) today announced its collaboration with Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and Sarawak Information System Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS) with the launch of Sarawak Pay, an e-wallet application for customers to conduct a cashless transaction through smartphones and the free Wifi services at Sibu Central Market.

The Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg graced the launch event accompanied by YBhg. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dato’ Sri George Chan Hong Nam, Chairman of SAINS, together with General Manager of SMA, Dr. Zaidi bin Razak and Chairman of SMC, Cr. Clarence Ting Ing Horh.

As the first central market to be digitally-enabled equipped with e-wallet services, this effort is initiated by SMC, and supported by SMA. It was a commendable vision of Chief Minister of Sarawak to provide micro payment transaction best suited for the hawkers and traders at Sibu Central Market. Through this collaboration and the free Wifi furnished by SAINS, Sarawak Pay shoppers are now able to make purchases via their mobile phones with ease. At the same time, users can benefit from the cashback incentives. 

In driving the mass adoption of digital platforms by the community, useful platforms such the integration of Sarawak Pay at marketplaces serves to build a thriving e-commerce environment. This bodes well into one of Sarawak’s eight digital economy sectors; e-commerce, which is led by the Sarawak Multimedia Authority.

More than 800 hawkers and petty traders at Sibu Central Market are registered as Sarawak Pay merchants. It has been estimated that there will be more than 600, 000 micro payment transactions via Sarawak Pay on daily basis in Sibu Central Market within the next 6 months.

“Where contactless transaction has now become the new norm, deployment of e-Wallet service like Sarawak Pay at this marketplace will not only reduce physical cash handling, but this joint effort will also strengthen the state’s digital economy. We are pleased to be part of this journey”, enthused Cr. Clarence Ting Ing Horh, Chairman of SMC.

“Developing and nurturing a vibrant digital ecosystem is key in accelerating Sarawak economic growth. We call on more parties to embark and be part of the digital ecosystem, which is crucial in sustaining Sarawak economic growth accelerated through the digital transformation”, said Dr. Zaidi bin Razak, General Manager of the Sarawak Multimedia Authority.