SIBU: The eLA2 ICT system introduced by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is to harmonise and standardise the core business procedures of the local councils in Sarawak.

In revealing this, the ministry’s permanent secretary Dr Penguang Manggil said eLA2 software would be used by all councils in stages to eliminate shortcomings as experienced in the old system.

He said the new system would also expedite billing and collection services, and do away with redundant processes on decision making.

“eLA2 is a state-wide connected system that harmonises and standardises the core business procedures of the councils. The data in eLA2 is stored in a data centre in Kuching, where there is 24-hour surveillance and it is backed-up by professional and competent personnel 24 hours a day and seven days a week,” Dr Penguang told The Borneo Post in an interview.

He said the system was among the initiatives to meet the growing expectations of the people, in tandem with the State Civil Service Government Transformation Programme (GTP) as envisaged by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

“The development and implementation of this new ICT system for the local authority is aimed at not only enhancing our ICT technology and capability but more importantly to
harmonise such system for adoption and implementation by all the local authorities under the ministry.

“It is also dynamic and electrifying and will always evolve with the development in new technology. It is user-driven and the most-up-to-date software of its kind in terms of council management in Sarawak right now.

“Above all, eLA2 keeps a record of every action and the action of each party involved with the council’s daily operation and hence ensures that the integrity and sensitive data is protected,” he said.

Besides, he added, it had many special features.

Among other things, he said the new system also covered the daily operation of councils such as rating and billing, finance and accounting, HR, payroll and miscellaneous bills.

“eLA2 is also benefiting the public. For example, a local user who happens to have a piece of land in Kuching can access information at ease since the data is centralised.

“Without the system, the person would have to travel to Kuching to the council concerned to obtain the necessary information,” he said.

He recalled that the project was approved by the Sarawak Information Technology and Resources Councils (SITRC) in 2009 and kicked off in 2010.

The eLA2 system was launched in Miri City Council on May 4 this year.

“This will be followed by Samarahan District Council in mid September this year, 10 district councils; namely Bau, Serian, Simunjan, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Sarikei, Kapit, Matu Daro, SRDC and Limbang district councils by mid 2013, followed by the remaining nine district councils by mid 2014”.

“By 2015, our aspiration is for all councils in Sarawak to use eLA2 in their daily operations,” Dr Penguang said.