KUCHING: Some 100 residents in Lorong Piala 3, Taman Sukma here attended Merdeka@Komuniti programme organised by the Kuching District Information Department today.
This programme was an initiative under the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (KKMM) through the Department of Information Malaysia (JaPen) which aimed to invigorate and nurture the spirit of patriotism and love for the country in the National Month.
The programme included an engagement session between JaPen and the people in marketing information on government policies, initiatives and achievements, translating innovation and creativity through new media and providing services in the form of a one stop centre to visitors.
According to Sarawak Information Department director Suwadi Guliling, such a programme was initiated in view of adapting to the new normal due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is a hybrid-like idea where we combine face-to-face engagement activity with online activity.
“This is to nurture and stir the spirit of patriotism among the next generation to ensure that our independence is preserved,” he said at the event.
Apart from that, he mentioned that JaPen also has another programme known as ‘Merdeka Info-On-Wheels’ which involves dissemination of information on the ground as well as distribution of national flags to members of the public in commemorating Independence Day.
On the event, Lorong Piala 3 community leader Razuan Jili said the local residents were in full spirit to make the programme a success, as well as further fostering ties among themselves.
Amongst the efforts that took place were the placing of the Jalur Gemilang around the neighbourhood, reaching a consensus to hold aerobic sessions twice a month and cycling activities for the local residents, and beautification plans the neighbourhood.
Elaborating on the beautification plans, he pointed out that the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) has contributed soil in support of the local community’s initiative.
“With that, we plan to plant more trees and flowers as well as vegetables such as lemongrass, chilli and lime,” he said.
The event was officiated by Works Minister and Petra Jaya MP, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Accompanying him was Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring Assistant Minister and Samariang assemblywoman Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
Also present was DBKU deputy director (community services department) Rudzaimeir Malek.
