KUCHING: During the Sarawak JaPen Business Engagement Programme held at the Sarawak Branch Finas Auditorium, Malaysian Information Department (JaPen) Sarawak director Jaafar Jantan highlighted the importance for information officers to be equipped with not only event and media management skills but also proficient in managing local issues.
He emphasised the need for officers to have exposure and accurate information on current issues from strategic partner agencies, obtained through programmes such as the Local Action Communication Programme (Komtis) organised by JaPen.
This ensures that the information disseminated to the community is accurate and widely understood.
“JaPen Sarawak has collaborated with strategic partner agencies to gather information related to various clusters, including telecommunications, social, infrastructure, economic, environmental and security,” said Jaafar on today (June 21).
While the current focus is on telecommunications and economic issues, he assured that issues from other clusters are also being addressed.
Jaafar emphasised the importance of comprehensive and authentic information in the reports submitted by officers. These reports are reviewed and analysed to facilitate productive discussions with relevant stakeholders.
During the programme, JaPen members had the opportunity to attend discussions on topics such as the increase in the price of goods by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and telecommunications by the Sarawak Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM).
The programme also celebrated and awarded certificates to 80 department members, including retirees and recipients of the Outstanding Service Award (APC) for the years 2020 to 2022.
Furthermore, the programme featured the Pemadah Corner segment, providing a platform for Information Department officers to enhance their communication skills in public speaking, expressing opinions, and conveying information about current issues.
The segment showcased two engaging headlines: “Malaysia MADANI: MADANIkah kita?” and “The spirit of Patriotism needs to be imbued, not just symbolic”, presented by Tatau District information officer Donny Minggu Ling and Kuching District information officer Magdellina Alfred Jeho.
