Sarawak govt launches mobile app for cashless payment

KUCHING: The state government has launched Sarawak Pay, a mobile app that allows cashless payment of bills and selected retailers in the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this was part of Sarawak's efforts to introduce a digital economy and prepare for the future.

"We have to match the aspirations of our young people. We must leave a legacy for them and enable them to embrace global economic growth.

"To do this, we have no option but to embrace technology to develop the state and give a better future to Sarawakians," he said when launching the app at the State Legislative Assembly here on Wednesday.

Abang Johari said Sarawak Pay, which enables payment through electronic wallet (e-wallet), credit card or online banking, would pave the way for new ways of doing business transactions.

"The e-wallet is going to be a new form of payment. We want to enable the new generation of Sarawakians to embrace financial technology," he added.

Sarawak Pay has a "scan and pay" feature that facilitates payment by scanning a QR code on a bill or displayed by a retailer.

In its pilot rollout, Sarawak Pay can be used to pay Sarawak Energy and Kuching Water Board monthly utility bills and all 26 local council assessment bills, as well as 10 outlets at Grand Margherita

Hotel and 14 outlets at Riverside Majestic Hotel.

Next year, the state government will expand the "scan and pay" feature to all government agencies, other utility bills and local retailers.