S’wak govt working to close urban-rural communication gap, says Abdullah

KUCHING (Oct 17): The Sarawak government is making efforts to close the communication gap between urban and rural areas within the state, said Datuk Abdullah Saidol.

A Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report quoted the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) as saying communication must be tailored to Sarawak’s context, understanding the needs of its people, whether they reside in urban or rural areas.

“Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has initiated various projects such as the Sovereign Fund, Sarawak Development Bank (DBOS), and others.

“It is the role of Ukas and other ministries to clearly and effectively communicate information regarding these projects or government policies to all citizens,” he said during the ‘Making Connections’ 2024 dialogue session organised by Ukas here yesterday.

Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee said urban and rural areas have different levels of accessibility to infrastructure.

“The mechanism to bridge the information gap between urban and rural residents involves grassroots leaders.

“Ukas and other ministries must play their part in raising awareness among rural residents about government policies,” he said.

Ukas director Samuel Simon emphasised that face-to-face communication remains the primary method for rural residents due to Sarawak’s vast geography.

Abdullah speaks during the dialogue session. – Ukas photo