‘Info on Wheels’ delivers facts, educates public on govt’s policies

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A personnel member from the Information Department in Sabah sharing the IoW programme with members of the public.

KOTA KINABALU (Aug 7): ´Info on Wheels´ (IoW) is a  Programme under the Department of Information Malaysia which disseminate information and provide explanations on current issues and government policies with the help of mobile units.

Through the programme, authentic information can be conveyed directly to the target community so that they understand and support the agenda brought by the government, said Sabah Information Department Director Nadzerah Abdullah.

She said IoW programme was for the expansion of the department’s delivery system so that advocacy, engagement, outreach and intelligence gathering can be implemented through face-to-face communication.

“The district information officer’s role is to be the government’s official mouthpiece in explaining the philosophy, policy and vision for the country’s prosperity to the people,” she explained.

The IoW programme being held in Kota Marudu.

She also said that the speed of information technology has resulted in the alteration of how information is spread, adding that information on social media sometimes confuses the community on their accuracy.

Nadzerah said the programme was implemented in all districts in Sabah and that the mode of operation of the IoW Mobile Broadcasting Unit was to visit villages to meet with the community, set up booths to provide information services and distribute printed materials as well as monitor arising issues and obtain the public’s input at places popular with people.

Nadzerah Abdullah

“The IoW programme is carried out periodically and at every district where we raise various issues and deliver policies that are brought by the government.

“There are two pertinent roles implemented under the IoW programme. The first includes helping the government raise public awareness on the necessity of obeying the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) to stop the spread of Covid-19.

“The next role played by the Information Department under the IoW programme is to help promote the Covid-19 national immunisation programme and encourage the public to get vaccinated,” she said.

Nadzerah believed that through the IoW programme, the country was able to shift to the endemic phase and achieve an encouraging Covid-19 vaccination rate.

Asked what IoW projects the department had planned for the future, Nadzerah said the department would continue to implement its main function which is to disseminate information to the public at large.

She pointed out that the main message that would be promoted under the IoW programme from the end of this month to September 16 this year is the National Month celebration in August and the Malaysia Day event.

“As everyone knows, the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia is the main organiser of the National Month celebration.

Part of the approach in disseminating the right information to the public is by holding quizzes and games.

“Hence, we at the Information Department will encourage the public to celebrate the National Month together by flying the Jalur Gemilang at their premises, whether at their homes, shops, offices or on their vehicles, so that the spirit of love for the country and the excitement of the National Month can be felt and this will indirectly reflect the spirit of the Malaysian Family Strong Together this year,” she said.

Nadzerah also said the Malaysian Family Merdeka Convoy Programme (KKM2022)  covering the entire state of Sabah will kick off on August 9 in Papar with the participation of up to 15 vehicles from various state and federal agencies.