Photo shows a 3D printer, used to produce face shields.
KUCHING: The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), through its Digital Village Unit, has brought together ‘makers community’ to expand their initiatives slated for supporting the medical frontliners in the state.
The makers community is made up of various organisations such as start-up companies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), social enterprises, educators of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), non-profit organisations, and individuals in related sectors from throughout Sarawak.
They are currently using 3D printers and laser cutters to produce face shields, which are regarded as a crucial item to safeguard the frontliners from potential Covid-19 infection risks such as droplets from the sneeze of an infected person.
“With the strength of more than 100 volunteers making the PPE (personal protective equipment) in their own homes, the community targets to produce 10,000 units of various PPEs in the first run.
“These items include ventilators and intubation shields for anaesthetists,” said SMA in a statement yesterday, adding that they were also collecting donations slated for supplying the frontliners with gloves, N95 masks and thermoses.
“As a lead player in the digital economy ecosystem, SMA is proud to see the strong spirit of volunteerism among our talented community during this crisis. Their capability drives home the point of the inherent empowering and scalability of technology to solve problems that require quick turnaround time.
“These efforts highlight how important the access to digital technology and education is in helping the community, and the country as a whole.” said SMA general manager Dr Zaidi Razak.