KOTA KINABALU: The introduction of free broadband or WiFi service in Kota Kinabalu will help promote the development of Sabah’s digital economy and tourism industry, Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman said.
He said the service would also become a platform for future public initiatives in developing and enhancing the e-government digital network.
“I am confident the service will be able to attract more foreign direct investments and turn Kota Kinabalu into a business-friendly and liveable city, as well as a pleasant place to visit,” he said at the launch of the facility yesterday.
Musa said the WiFi service would also enable Kota Kinabalu to become a smart city, enabling people to work wherever they are and anytime they want, while enhancing the effectiveness and productivity of the state and country.
“Increased use of e-services in both the public and private sectors has also made online services a norm. People now prefer to get information online and entertainment via internet applications,” he said.
Earlier, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said the Kota Kinabalu’s free WiFi project for people and tourists, which began in May last year, would also help enhance information and communications technology (ICT) literacy in the community.
He said the WiFi service, which was developed through a public and private partnership between the Kota Kinabalu City Hall and Borneo Global Connect Sdn Bhd, was aimed at positioning Kota Kinabalu to be on par with other cities in terms of ICT facilities and Internet access,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has also agreed to develop WiFi facilities in rural Sabah, Salleh said, adding that, “In terms of implementation, the federal government will discuss with the state government on how the project to ensure it would run smoothly,” he said. — Bernama