Izah Azahari
The Information Department at the Prime Minister’s Office held a personal contact programme through its branches in Belait District and Tutong districts to convey information on current issues and government policies, and receive feedback from the public yesterday.
Present at the event in Belait were Acting Director of Information Siti Bismi Nuruliman binti Haji Awang Emzah, and Acting Village Head of Kampong Pandan ‘A’ Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Udin.
Also in attendance were the E-Government National Centre’s senior system analyst Siti Wardah binti Haji Lutfi, scheduler of the Housing Development Department Rusiah binti Haji Matyassin, and assistant working officer Sariwati binti Haji Sahak.
Meanwhile, present for the programme in Tutong were Acting Deputy Director of Information Sastra Sarini binti Haji Julaini, Kampong Rambai Village Head Muhammad Dahalan bin Kaslan, Acting Village Head of Kampong Merimbun Sani bin Nangkat, and Haji Muhammad Hairol Mazlan bin Haji Abdul Razak.
The programme in Tutong was also attended by Department of Agriculture and Agrifood’s senior medical officer Dr Hajah Shodeena binti Haji Mohammad and acting senior special duties officer of agri-food Hirman bin Haji Abu, officer at the Wildlife Division Management Section Mohd Jeffrey bin Haji Mohd Sunny Lai, and officials from the Public Works Department (JKR) of the Ministry of Development.
The programme included a briefing on false information in the digital age, which can spread quickly through various applications, such as WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, leading to fear and anxiety.
Participants also received advice on how to identify fake news and action that can be taken under Chapter 148, Section 34 of the Public Order Act, which carries a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of BND3,000.
The programme continued with a dialogue on issues raised by the villagers related to infrastructure and public facilities.
