MCMC To Support "Heard The News? Read With Me" Initiative Nationwide Via NADI Centres

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), through its National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), will support the "Heard the News? Read With Me" initiative by extending its reach nationwide, including to rural and underserved areas. 

Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa said that with more than 1,099 NADI centres nationwide, the initiative will benefit even the remotest communities, from the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak to villages in Kedah and Kelantan.

He said many Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers still struggle with English comprehension and confidence, noting that Malaysia ranked 26th in the 2024 Education First English Proficiency Index.

"Language today is not just a tool to communicate; it is also a gateway to opportunity. English is widely acknowledged as the global language of science, technology, business and diplomacy.

"It is not enough to just learn English in the classroom. We must create daily opportunities to use and experience it, and this is precisely why the initiative is so important," he said at the launch of the New Straits Times (NST) "Heard the News? Read With Me" initiative at IWK Eco Park here today.

Also present were MCMC member Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and Media Prima Bhd group chairman Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid.

Mohamad Fauzi also congratulated the NST on its 180th anniversary, describing it as "a pillar of credibility, connection and national consciousness" that continues to innovate for future generations. 

Meanwhile, in her remarks, NST group editor Farrah Naz Karim said the initiative reflects NST's commitment to accessibility and innovation by making news content easier to access for all segments of society.

The programme, launched in conjunction with NST's 180th anniversary in collaboration with MCMC, introduces Malaysia's first QR-coded audio news articles to enhance English proficiency, critical thinking and media literacy. 

Readers can scan a QR code on selected NST articles to access narrated audio versions, while NADI centres will further promote the initiative by providing access to NST editions and familiarising rural communities with digital content.

-- BERNAMA