BELAGA: People here have been urged to take full advantage of digital technology but, at the same time, be mindful of its many potential drawbacks.
Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Datuk Liwan Lagang said technology has many uses especially to spread information effectively and immediately.
“Just as I walked in earlier and greeted people, many people were sending me congratulatory messages through Whatsapp for revitalising culture,” he at Uma Kahei longhouse, here before officiating the ‘Pesta Do Ledoh’ yesterday (July 5).
“I have received messages from all over the place both locally and internationally, for example from London, and also from Indonesia.”
But Liwan, who is Belaga assemblyman, pointed out that while digital technology offers many benefits, it also has its drawbacks.
“All of you must be aware of scams and make use of digital media wisely.
“There have been numerous cases of scams where people lose money due to careless mistakes and easily fall for online tricks because they were not cautious when using social media,” he said.
But he urged the community to utilise digital media fully and explore business opportunities through digital technology.
“Use digital technology wisely for business purposes such as to promote your handicrafts, to promote (your) locally grown rice and the food that you make,” he said.
On a separate matter, Liwan said the State government has ensured progress in electricity and water supply in longhouses throughout the district.
”Several advancements have been made – you don’t need to start the generators (for electric supply) and you don’t have to repair your water pipes as well,” he said.
However, Liwan said despite improvements made, there are incidents of theft of pipes and cables belonging to SEB, leading to disruptions in water and electricity supply.
The ‘Pesta Do Ledoh’ is a two-day district-level event aimed at bringing together various longhouse residents across Belaga.
Also present at the event were political secretary to the Premier, Thomas Balan Bang , acting district officer for Belaga, Bidah Lujah, Belaga police chief DSP Jimbai Bala and Uma Kahei longhouse chief, Tijan Hendrick Hank.
