Fadley Faisal
The Information Department held a Personal Contact Programme for residents of Kampong Bengkurong, Kampong Sinarubai and Kampong Burong Lepas at the Mukim Kilanas Community Hall yesterday.
Publication and Strategic Communications Section Chief Senior Information Officer Hajah Hamsah binti Dato Kerna Haji Jaya led the delegation.
Senior officers from the Public Works Department and Mosque Affairs Department also attended.
The programme encourages residents to support national interest and serves as a platform for the exchange of information between the government and the people.
The day included a discussion on how the swift spreading of fake news via social media can stir panic among the community.
Hajah Hamsah said, “What is even more dangerous is the fact that some people forward the news without checking for facts or verify its source and authenticity.”
The department warned that anyone spreading fake news or making false statements is liable to a penalty of up to three years’ jail or a BND3,000 fine.
She added that penalties of two years’ jail and a BND5,000 fine await offenders who have violated, attempt to, instigate or conspire in circulating articles of libel in nature through print, broadcast, circulate, sell or offer to sell the news.
Meanwhile, Department of Water Services engineer Pengiran Hazman bin Pengiran Haji Duraman briefed attendees on the process of distributing clean water supplies from the Bukit Barun Water Treatment Plant to consumers.
