Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has approved Sarawak's digital payment system, Sarawak Pay, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the approval was obtained last week and would see the system implemented at state government departments and agencies next year.

"From next year, payment for government service, as well as outlets under the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), including hotels, we can pay using Sarawak Pay," he said at a Youth Forum at the Borneo Convention Centre here today.

Met by reporters after the forum, Abang Johari said an application would be developed for payment to be made through Sarawak Pay.

"The approval by Bank Negara will enable us to have our own application, and for a start, for all state government services, the people can pay through Sarawak Pay, including for paying land rent, assessment rate, etc," he added.

--BERNAMA