Communications Ministry Expands People-centred Digital Agenda Through Community Outreach, Connectivity Initiatives - Bahria

PORT DICKSON, June 27 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Communications is advancing a range of sustainable, people-centred initiatives this year by strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and expanding community communications nationwide.

Its Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industries), Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, said the Department of Community Communications (J-KOM), the Information Department (JaPen), and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are actively driving integrated community development programmes under the ministry’s supervision.

“In Negeri Sembilan, a total of 108 MADANI Communities have been established across all 36 state constituencies.

“For the Port Dickson and Chuah areas, this voluntary platform has been actively mobilised to disseminate accurate information on government initiatives, including cash assistance and targeted subsidies, while also serving as a community frontliner in addressing the spread of fake news and misinformation on social media,” she said.

She said this when opening the “Program MADANI Kita (PMK) 2026”, which drew more than 2,000 participants from the local multi-ethnic community, including youths, here today.

Also present were J-KOM director-general Mohd Hisyamuddin Ghazali and Political Secretary to the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, Norazman Mohamad.

Bahria said the ministry is also maximising the role of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) to empower rural micro-entrepreneurs, narrow the digital divide, and nurture local youth with emerging digital skills, including prompt engineering.

She added that the ministry remains committed to upgrading basic infrastructure and improving digital connectivity in selected rural areas to enhance residents’ quality of life.

“For this year, Kampung Tebat Kering in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, has been selected as the Kampung Angkat MADANI,” she said.

On digital safety, Bahria said the ministry, through MCMC, is implementing the Safe Internet and Child Protection Campaign and enforcing the Child Protection Code to strengthen age verification measures on digital platforms.

She said the initiative is aimed at safeguarding children and young users from harmful online content while enhancing international cooperation to combat online fraud.

Commenting on the PMK 2026 programme held at Kampung Sawah Multipurpose Hall, Bahria said residents had access to services offered by various government agencies, interactive exhibitions, and briefings on cost-of-living initiatives.

“The government also wants to better understand local concerns through direct engagement with communities so that the public receives clear, accurate, and reliable information and gains easier access to authentic explanations on government policies,” she said.

During the programme, Bakul Rahmah MADANI aid packages were distributed, while a mock cheque worth RM5,000 from the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU) was presented to the Kampung Pachitan Youth Association.

 -- BERNAMA