27-05-2025
Ministry to enhance communications strategy to improve public perception — Julaihi
Julaihi (left) and Ibrahim in good spirits during a photo call at the event. — Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 27): The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications will be strengthening strategic communications for better public perception on key issues, said its minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
He admitted that they had been slow to respond with clarifications to certain issues, such as when the reminder letter of compliance with the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 was leaked to the media which received overwhelmingly negative perception.
'On social media, it seemed like the whole Peninsula Malaysia was attacking us. I believe many were not even aware of the full context, but we were late in providing our counter-explanation.
'However, we gradually rebuilt the narrative and provided the actual explanation so that perceptions could be balanced, especially among those who misunderstood or received inaccurate information,' he was quoted as saying during the ministry's appreciation night held in conjunction with the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here on Monday, according to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report.
He said the ministry must re-evaluate and strengthen its corporate and strategic communication efforts to better convey messages to the general public and external parties dealing with government departments or agencies.
Julaihi proposed that the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Jafri Lias meet with heads of departments and agencies to reassess the current communication approach and formulate a more comprehensive strategy that can be easily understood by all parties, including those outside Sarawak, who wish to engage the ministry.
'I think this is crucial, especially in this day and age where information can go viral instantly, whether it is true or not.'
Also present at the event was Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petros) Dato Ibrahim Baki. Communications information julaihi narawi public perception
