KUCHING: The State Information Department (JaPen) in Lundu recently held an ‘Info on Wheels’ (IOW) Programme at SMK Lundu.
At the school, the JaPen staff reached out to students who were members of Malaysian Club and taught them how to protect themselves from the Covid-19 virus.
Japen Lundu Field Officer Nicholas Dabot said, “The programme is also a platform for us to get to know the students and teachers in this school more closely.”
For him, IOW is a great way to disseminate information on current issues and current government policies at the grassroots level.
“Although current communication technologies such as the use of internet and smartphones have become increasingly widely used, face-to-face communication remains relevant and effective,” he pointed out.
Teacher Zuwatinie Tuah and the Malaysian Club coordinator for SMK Lundu said the programme provided students and teachers with a clear picture on the spread of Covid-19 throughout the world.
Student Ellysha Mostapa was grateful to the JaPen field officials who took the time to inform them on current issues in the country, especially health issues such as Covid-19.
Saratok District Information Officer Florence Sebastian Unting was happy with the good public response to the programme.
Florence pointed out that the distribution of the Covid-19 leaflets in the Iban language had made it easier for locals to understand more about the pandemic.
Tuai Rumah Suyah Japang from Mendas Asal, Saratok was grateful for the programme and the distribution of leaflets on Covid-19 in Iban and Malay.
He said it had helped the longhouse residents become more aware of government policies and current issues such as the Covid-19 virus.
Julau District Information Officer Cecelia Daffi said she enjoyed working on the IOW programme because of her frequent interactions and exchange of views with the local community.
Song District Information Officer, Joseph Laga said it was a social therapy for him to socialise with the people of Song.
“Although transportation and communication lines are major challenges for us in the Song District, our sense of personal satisfaction in providing authentic information to the people has motivated us to perform our jobs better,” he said.
As of March 11, this year, about 37,000 leaflets had been distributed during the approximately 700 IOW programmes implemented by JaPen in the state.
