KUCHING, Nov 15 ― Sarawak took another step towards digitalising its economy with the launch today of SarawakPay, a cashless mobile payment solution implemented by the state government to empower the state's digital economy agenda.
With SarawakPay, payment is made by way of electronic wallet (e-Wallet), credit card or internet banking.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari said the e-Wallet, licensed under PaymentGalaxy®Wallet and governed by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), is the first e-Wallet system to be implemented by a state government in the country.
He added that users can top up their SarawakPay e-Wallet balance through online banking or credit card.
The application is still in phase one of the rollout and as such, BNM has limited each top-up amount to RM200.
“Next year, the state government will apply to Bank Negara Malaysia to expand the balance capacity up to a maximum of RM1,500,” Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg said when he launched SarawakPay.
Currently, the “Scan & Pay” feature can be used to pay bills for Sarawak Energy monthly electricity consumption, Kuching Water Board monthly consumption, assessment charges for all 26 local councils as well as at the Grand Margherita Hotel and Riverside Majestic Hotel here.
The chief minister said next year the state government will also be expanding the “Scan & Pay” feature to all government agencies and other utility bills, local retailers and merchants in Sarawak.
“In addition, the state government will also apply to Bank Negara Malaysia to include features like Wallet Transfer, Pay Anyone, Go Dutch, Supplementary Wallet and standing instruction,” he said, adding that other payment channels such as Paybills Malaysia and payment at the counters will continue to be available to the public
Abang Johari said he is determined to ensure that the Sarawak digital economy agenda is successful.
