KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed in supporting media professionals to ensure that the media landscape in Sarawak remains dynamic, inclusive and ethical.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the emergence of internet, social media, mobile devices and digital platforms while beneficial, poses challenges which needs to be addressed.
He said through the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2024, issues and challenges faced by media practitioners can be highlighted.
“I believe that during this one-and-a-half-day conference, sufficient discussion has been or will be conducted to highlight some of the issues.
“Among the most significant issues and challenges in new media technology such as privacy and security, misinformation and fake news, addiction and overuse, polarisation and echo chambers, income inequality, and digital divide,” he said.
He said this while speaking at the SMeC 2024 welcoming dinner at a leading hotel here last night.
Abdullah said the new media is different as it allows real-time, interactive and multimedia content compared to the traditional media in print, radio and television.
“New media have both positive and negative effects on society, affecting everything from the way people consume news and entertainment to the way they form and maintain relationships,” he said.
Also present during the ceremony were Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang.
