(From right) Khirudin watches as Dr Ting puts his signature on a plaque to symbolically launch the Bomba 2019 calendar. Looking on are Law, Jong and others.
MIRI: The advancement of communication technology means that members of the print and electronic media now play a significant role in providing accurate information to the masses.
This role becomes more important when one considers the slew of false information being spread by irresponsible parties – giving rise to the term ‘fake news’, says Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon.
Speaking at a media appreciation dinner hosted by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 6 here on Sunday, he said such actions were not healthy and would only confuse the public.
“False information will not help frontline rescuers like Bomba, who put themselves at risk in every life-saving operation.
“Instead of giving them trouble (by spreading false information), the people should have trust in their professionalism and let them do their work,” he said.
Dr Ting said as someone who has served in the hospital emergency unit, he has complete respect for the rescue services provided by the Bomba.
“The rescue work provided by Bomba is not an easy job as the department has to ensure their personnel are not only physically fit, but also mentally strong to handle tough tasks.”
At the same time, the assemblyman also expressed regret that there are social media sites or users who would resort to sharing crime scene photos or videos, or even breach the privacy of the victims, for the sake of securing ‘likes’.
Earlier, Bomba Sarawak director Khirudin Drahman admitted that one of the challenges faced by the department in carrying out its duties was the spread of fake news by ‘un-appointed journalists’.
He thus praised the print and electronic media for helping Bomba disseminate accurate information about their operations.
“I look forward to having a good working relationship with the media, and we (Bomba) will do our best to provide fast response so that accurate information can be disseminated to the people,” he said.
Bomba Zone 6 chief Law Poh Kiong and Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) president Andy Jong were among those present at the dinner.