KUCHING: Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) has made history by launching the first AI Unmanned Mart in Malaysia, which operates entirely using artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and computer vision technologies to offer a 'scan, shop and go' shopping experience.

SDEC Chairman, Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani said the implementation of the AI ​​Unmanned Mart was an important achievement in realising the aspirations under the Post Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, thus strengthening the state government's ambition to move towards a cashless and data-driven economy by 2030.

“This is based on our AI and IoT technology. It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 30 days a month and 365 days a year,” he said when officiating the AI ​​Unmanned Mart at Baitulmakmur II, Petra Jaya, on Tuesday.

He added that this effort proves how the digital economy elements are increasingly being incorporated into the daily lives of the people.

“All of this is part of the digital economy. Today, we introduce the E-Mart Smart ‘Tap & Go Mart’ as another initiative towards a more inclusive digital economy,” he said.

Powered by SDEC’s advanced technology and operated by Akayan Solutions Sdn. Bhd, the cashier-free market offers a fully autonomous shopping experience 24 hours a day.

Through an AI camera system, smart shelf sensors and machine learning algorithms, customers only need to scan the QR code using the SBOX AI application to enter, select items and exit without having to queue at the payment counter.

Payments will be processed automatically via the SBOX AI Wallet, making the shopping experience faster, easier and cashless.

Meanwhile, SDEC Chief Executive Officer, Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman said that this launch marks a new chapter in Sarawak’s journey towards smart city living.

“It shows how technology can be used meaningfully to facilitate people’s daily affairs while supporting our long-term goals of building a digital and sustainable future,” he said.

Also present was the Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak State Mosque Welfare Trust Board (LAKMNS), Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai. -UKASnews

Reporter: Grace John Lee
Translator: Nerissa Sia
Photographer: Hazrin Sunaini