CM mulls digital banking if state can obtain licence
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed interest in setting up digital banking in Sarawak.
However, he said a licence has to be obtained first.
“We already have our own e-wallet and digital retailing, so we see lah,” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the opening ceremony of KCGC Innovation Hub at Wisma Chinese Chambers, Bukit Mata Road here, yesterday.
“If possible, we also hope that the federal government can consider giving us the licence,” he added.
He explained that digital banking is just like any banking business, but instead of manual operations and transactions, the bank is run digitally.
Earlier, in his speech during the opening ceremony, he noted that Bank Negara Malaysia was issuing licences for digital banking.
“We will see how we can do (it),” he said.
As Sarawak has a small population of approximately 2.8 million people, the chief minister encouraged entrepreneurs to expand their market to the nation’s neighbours.
“Even at the Asean region, that would already be about 600 million people,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said Sarawak Pay was now working with China-owned UnionPay, an e-wallet with global reach.
Abang Johari said the next step was to train young entrepreneurs on how to handle digital devices and services.
He congratulated the Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCGCCI) on the establishment of the KCGC Innovation Hub which would benefit young entrepreneurs.
KCGCCI digital economy committee chairman Rodger Chan in his speech suggested for Sarawak to consider setting up a digital bank in tandem with its digital economy.
