Padang besar: The Perlis Connect programme organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at Padang Besar Street here is an effective platform to raise awareness on safe internet use, highlighting the dangers of cyberbullying and online scams.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, most visitors interviewed during the one-day programme said Perlis Connect gave them exposure to the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) by MCMC. A student of Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Beseri near here, Muhammad Rifqee Mirza Mohd Sharizal, 14, expressed his excitement about gaining knowledge on safe internet use and becoming more aware of cyberbullying.

A housewife, Juliana Arianti Armain, 39, who attended the programme with her two children aged eight and nine, shared that Perlis Connect helped parents understand the challenges of monitoring their children's gadget use, especially with internet access. She emphasized the importance of early steps to protect children's safety in cyberspace.

The programme also offered the community an opportunity to learn about the facilities provided by the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI). Perlis Connect served as a platform for NADI entrepreneurs in the state to market their products. Ahmad Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, a trader in Padang Besar Street, highlighted the programme's role in expanding his business network and introducing him to NADI's digital marketing support for entrepreneurs.

Various engaging and informative segments were featured in the programme, organised in collaboration with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama). This included a pocket talk on bullying aimed at intensifying anti-bullying efforts among students. Bernama also showcased a mobile studio from KL headquarters, offering visitors insights into journalism and broadcasting.

At the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) booth, visitors had the opportunity to check summonses and avail a 50 per cent discount on summons payments.

The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, was scheduled to officiate the programme later in the day, with notable attendees including Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC Commission Member Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, MCMC Managing Director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali, and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.