CYBERJAYA, Jan 16 — The Communications Ministry will keep up efforts to ensure information on government policies, programmes and aid is conveyed clearly, accurately and in a manner easily understood by the public.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that to this end, the coordination of the government communication machinery has been enhanced, involving information officers, public relations officers (PRO) and Corporate Communications Units (UKKs) across all ministries and agencies.
“Sometimes, if we have a product or service but the target group is not aware of its existence, that is where the communication problem arises,” he told Bernama and RTM after delivering an address to Information Department (JAPEN) staff here today.
Fahmi, who is also Madani Government spokesman, said clarity in information dissemination is especially important for targeted programmes, including initiatives by the Finance Ministry such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), MySalam, and schooling aid.
For this purpose as well, he said, the use of simple, approachable language suited to the local context is crucial.
“My instruction to them (in JAPEN) is that the language used must be grounded in reality. In Perlis, for example, the delivery may require different sentences and approaches.
“The same applies to the Chinese community, the Indian community and certain ethnic groups — the language used must be accurate and appropriate, not just official language or ‘Putrajaya language’,” he said.
Yesterday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar in an address said government communication must be enhanced so initiatives are fully understood by the people.
In another development, Fahmi also expressed hope for the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR) to be activated as a strategic training centre to produce key government communicators who can convey information more effectively and respond to current needs.
“This is especially for JAPEN officers, PROs and UKKs so issues previously raised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (on government communication issues) can be managed swiftly and comprehensively,” he said.
In his address, Fahmi said a study found that youth aged between 18 and 35 were identified as the largest group consuming information through social media such as Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp.
“This group not only makes up almost half of the voters, but is also the main user of products and services produced domestically.
“In this regard, the government and the information machinery are reminded to be better prepared and not rely on old approaches or merely reshare content,” he said.
Fahmi said the use of the WhatsApp audio feature was also suggested as an effective method, especially to facilitate the delivery of messages to communities that are less inclined to read.
