AI must be used, publishing integrity must be maintained

MIRI, Sept. 23: The development of artificial intelligence (AI) should be used as an opportunity to improve the efficiency of Sarawak's publishing industry, but aspects of quality, copyright, integrity and information integrity must continue to be maintained, said Datum Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts of Sarawak said that technological developments are now opening up more space in the process of producing, editing, translating and distributing literature to the public.

He said that technological progress should be accompanied by efforts to strengthen the reading culture and increase production of quality literature in order to form a knowledgeable and competitive society.

"These changes should be seen as an opportunity to improve efficiency in producing, editing, translating and disseminating knowledge to society.

"However, we must continue to protect the quality, copyright, integrity of works and integrity of information so that the publishing industry remains authoritative and trustworthy", he said while addressing the Inaugural Seminar on Submission of Printed Materials and Publishing Industry in Sarawak 2026, at the Sarawak Miri State Library, here today.

Commenting further, he said that the Sarawak State Library in collaboration with Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) has developed the Legal Deposit Management System (LDMS) to facilitate the process of acceptance, management, record and documentation of published material in digital format.

According to him, the system is essential to ensure that the production materials produced in Sarawak continue to be collected, preserved and documented for future generations.

"The material presented today is not just literature, but it is part of a record and treasure trove of science that will benefit future generations", he said.

He added that his ministry also provided an annual allocation of RM10 million allocated by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to help cover the cost of publishing books.

"To authors wishing to publish or print a book, please apply to the ministry for the allocation provided.

"This can help authors produce more works and at the same time further enrich Sarawak's publishing industry", he said.

As of August 2026, a total of 13,320 titles involving 53,200 copies of publication material have been received through the implementation of the 1999 Sarawak State Library Ordinance. - TVS