Sarawak Unveils ‘SarawakPass’ To Accelerate Digital Govt Services

Samuel Chua

23rd October 2025 - 4 min read

Sarawak’s drive towards a fully digital government has taken another step forward with the launch of SarawakPass, an enhanced digital identity platform that serves as a single, trusted gateway to all state-level digital services.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the upgraded platform, previously known as SarawakID, now includes advanced capabilities such as public key infrastructure (PKI) security, a digital wallet, and MyBenefit integration. These features are designed to give Sarawakians secure, convenient, and seamless access to the state’s growing digital ecosystem.

“SarawakPass reflects our guiding principle of ‘one identity, many opportunities’, ensuring secure, seamless, and convenient access to the government’s digital ecosystem for every Sarawakian,” he said during the 8th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

He added that the initiative embodies Sarawak’s long-term vision of creating a government that is accessible anytime and anywhere, supported by trust, efficiency, and inclusion.

How Sarawak’s Digital Strategy Complements The National Approach

At the national level, the MyDigitalID initiative provides Malaysians with a secure digital identity that can be used to access a growing range of federal and private-sector services. The system, available across Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak, allows users to verify their identity online without repeatedly providing personal details for each service.

SarawakPass, by comparison, functions as a state-level complement to this national framework. While MyDigitalID focuses on standardising secure access across the country, SarawakPass integrates additional features such as a built-in digital wallet, PKI-based security, and MyBenefit access, designed to support state services and benefits tailored for Sarawakians.

Both platforms share the same core goal of promoting secure and trusted online access. Together, they represent Malaysia’s broader effort to strengthen digital identity infrastructure, encourage digital adoption, and create a safer, more efficient environment for public service delivery.

Building Infrastructure And Inclusion

As part of the next phase of digital transformation, the Sarawak government has also established the Sarawak AI Centre (SAIC) to drive research, talent development, and collaboration across key sectors such as smart energy, precision agriculture, urban planning, and logistics.

Johari emphasised that digital transformation must be inclusive, ensuring equal opportunity for every community, including those in rural and remote areas.

Empowering Skills And Businesses

Recognising that technology alone is not enough, the Premier said Sarawak continues to invest heavily in human capital. Beginning in 2026, the state will become the first in Malaysia to offer free tertiary education at state-owned institutions, ensuring that every qualified Sarawakian can pursue higher education, regardless of cost..

The government is also focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of Sarawak’s economy. Under PCDS 2030, the target is for 30,000 SMEs to adopt digital platforms. Programmes such as Go Digital, SME Digitise, and the Sarawak Digital Mall have already supported more than 15,000 SMEs in moving their operations online, opening up new markets and opportunities.

Towards A Trusted Digital Future

More than half of Sarawak’s government services have already been digitalised, well ahead of schedule. The state aims to achieve full digital access by 2030 under the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan, which prioritises both digitalisation and sustainability.

With SarawakPass, the state is positioning itself as a leader in citizen-centric digital governance. While MyDigitalID provides a national foundation for secure identity verification, Sarawak’s approach demonstrates how local governments can build on that framework to deliver services tailored to their people’s needs.

By combining national digital identity systems with state-led innovation, Malaysia moves closer to a future where every citizen can interact with the government securely, efficiently, and with confidence, whether in Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, or Kuala Lumpur.

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