Kota Kinabalu: Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) has launched a new plan and a Super App to improve and modernise the services it provides to the public.
“We are not simply launching a roadmap … we are launching a renewed hope and a new purpose in serving the people,” said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai when officiating the Enterprise Architecture (EA) and Development Roadmap and Super App launching ceremony, here, Sunday.
“We are laying the foundation for a smarter, stronger and more sustainable Kota Kinabalu. One city. One data. One direction,” said Joniston, who is also the Minister in Charge of DBKK.
Central to the effort is a strategic blueprint that maps out how DBKK will organise its staff, workflows, data and technology to prepare for the launch of its Super App.
“The EA is not just another ICT project. It serves as the backbone of DBKK’s transformation, providing a strategic framework that aligns our vision with our business processes, data, technology and governance. It acts as an organisational compass, guiding us towards a holistic digital transformation,” he said.
The planned Super App DBKK, which will be built upon this foundation, is envisioned as a single platform through which Kota Kinabalu residents can access city hall services at any time and from anywhere.
“The vision we have set out is straightforward, one platform, multiple channels, zero hassle. Applications, payments, approvals and feedback, all of it will eventually reside within a single, unified platform. That is what we are setting out to build and this roadmap is our promise to get there,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Joniston elaborated further on the initiative saying, “Today’s launch is really a formalisation of what is already underway. The EA process is ongoing.
“It is a road map towards digitalisation, in line with our efforts to make Kota Kinabalu a smart city. Today we formally launch it,” he said.
He added that the system is expected to be fully operational by September, which would bring Kota Kinabalu on par with other major cities in the country.
“This is a process that will eventually make Kota Kinabalu a smart city, an attractive city, a vibrant city, one that is highly advanced in technology,” he said.
“From now on, assessment tax and all other payments can be made online. It is a super app, as we saw demonstrated just now. That is the direction we are heading,” Joniston said.
Additionally, he said they cannot build impressive services on a shaky foundation.
“Only when our internal systems are aligned and our data finally speaks the same language, then we can proceed to develop a Super App DBKK that will resolve the people’s issues end-to-end,” he said, pointing out the importance of getting the digital groundwork right before proceeding with the app itself.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) was recognised as the key partner in putting the blueprint together, with the collaboration between the university and the DBKK highlighted as an important and valuable working relationship.
“The fusion of UMS’ academic and technical expertise with DBKK’s operational experience is an invaluable synergy, ensuring that this digital transformation plan is executed holistically and sustainably.
“This kind of teamwork shows what is possible when local government and our universities work hand in hand to drive innovation.
“Let us be clear about one thing … this journey is not one that DBKK can make alone. It takes all of us, working together, to make this a reality,” he said, pointing out that the journey ahead is a collective one.
The launch follows a recent national achievement, where DBKK was named one of only 27 local authorities in Malaysia to be recognised as a Smart City Early Adopter 2025.
The award was presented by the Deputy Prime Minister during the World Town Planning Day celebrations in Putrajaya last October.
“Technology should make life easier, not more complicated. We are determined to deliver services that are faster, more transparent and more citizen-centric,” said Joniston.
He also pointed out the initiative’s inclusive design, noting that the omni-channel approach was intended to reach all segments of society.
“Whether it is senior citizens or those less familiar with technology, these services will be within reach. No more going back and forth between counters. No more filling out the same details repeatedly.
“The call for transformation is not a matter of preference, it is an urgent reality, driven by rising public expectations and the rapid expansion of urban communities,” he said, adding that DBKK’s recognition as a smart city early adopter only strengthened the commitment to act boldly and without delay.
Present were Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin who is also Kota Kinabalu MP and Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, among others.
