Sarawak govt intensifies efforts to bridge urban-rural communication divide

Abdullah (centre), flanked by Hii (second left) and Samuel (second right), at the ‘Making Connections’ 2024 dialogue session, organised by Ukas at a hotel in Kuching on Oct 16, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 17: The Sarawak government is actively working to bridge the communication gap between urban and rural areas in the State.

In a news report by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Ukas), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, emphasised that communication strategies must be tailored to the context of Sarawak, considering the needs of its residents, whether they live in urban or rural areas.

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

“It is the role of Ukas and other ministries to effectively communicate and ensure that information about these projects or government policies is clearly delivered to the public,” he explained.

He made these remarks during the ‘Making Connections’ 2024 dialogue session organised by Ukas, held at a prominent hotel here yesterday (Oct 16).

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Operation), Datu Hii Chang Kee, pointed out that rural and urban areas have different levels of access to infrastructure.

“The mechanism used to close the information gap between urban and rural populations involves grassroots leaders.

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

Furthermore, Ukas director Samuel Simon, in his speech, highlighted that face-to-face communication remains the most effective method for rural communities due to Sarawak’s vast geography. — DayakDaily