Kota kinabalu: Agencies under the Communications Ministry must play their roles to the best of their ability to ensure the public receives accurate, reliable and easily understood information, Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said. He emphasized that clear communication is essential to help people fully comprehend government policies, programmes, and public interest matters while preventing confusion and misinterpretation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this responsibility extends to the Royal Commission of Inquiry report on Lembaga Tabung Haji, which Fahmi mentioned would be presented tomorrow and contains several sensitive issues. "I do not want to stand before the Creator and be unable to account for my actions. It is my duty, and that of the ministry, to speak the truth and make every effort to communicate it. And whenever we encounter falsehoods, slander or unverified claims, we have a responsibility to establish and explain the facts," he stated at the ministry's Excellence Service Awards ceremony for Sabah and Labuan.
Present at the ceremony were ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, senior division secretary (Management) Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed, and Information Department (JAPEN) director-general Erwin Khairul Ahmad. Fahmi highlighted that agencies, including JAPEN, the Community Communications Department (K-KOM), Radio Television Malaysia (RTM), and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), serve as key pillars in conveying government information to the public.
He stressed the importance of these agencies in responding swiftly when information is unclear or causes public confusion. The ministry has established a Quick Response Team, led by deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, to produce accessible and easily understood content. Fahmi urged JAPEN and J-KOM to explore more effective communication methods, including face-to-face engagement and WhatsApp groups, alongside formal channels and social media.
Fahmi concluded by emphasizing that even well-intentioned government policies or programmes could be misunderstood if not explained accurately and comprehensively.