The state’s public communications unit said this was among key matters discussed during a courtesy call on Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg today by representatives of BlackBerry and UKM.

BlackBerry CEO John Giamatteo said the company’s secure communication technologies could support government efforts to deliver timely alerts, particularly during natural disasters such as floods.

He said the system would focus on enabling real-time emergency notifications, strengthening data security and ensuring reliable communication channels between authorities and the public during crisis situations.

“Such systems are critical in improving response times and ensuring the public receives accurate and secure information during emergencies, especially in flood-prone areas,” Dayak Daily reported him as saying.

UKM vice-chancellor Sufian Jusoh said the university, together with BlackBerry and international research partners, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Cambridge, was examining advanced emergency communication technologies that could be deployed in Sarawak.

He said the collaboration aligned with broader efforts to enhance the state’s disaster resilience and support its ambition to become a frontier technology hub by 2030.