BINTULU – The public has been urged to take full advantage of government welfare and development programmes while staying alert to misleading content on social media.
Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, Director of the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), said many forms of assistance, especially in welfare and education, remain underused. A large number of eligible recipients have yet to apply, often because they are unaware of what is available.
He stressed that village chiefs, non-governmental organisations and federal agencies play a key role in spreading accurate information.
“Assistance has been provided, but many have not yet applied because they do not know. Therefore, all parties should take responsibility for disseminating this information,” he said during the UKAS Juh Ngopi Ngan Programme in Tatau on Wednesday.
Beyond welfare and education aid, the government has rolled out targeted subsidies, training programmes and education grants to narrow socio-economic gaps, especially in rural areas. Uptake remains lower than expected, which points to gaps in outreach rather than a lack of support.
Awang Putrayusrie also addressed the spread of false information online. He urged the public to verify content before sharing it, warning that manipulated images, edited videos and AI-generated material are adding to confusion and weakening public trust.
“The public should check the accuracy of information before believing and spreading it so as not to be confused,” he said.
The programme in Tatau brought together government representatives and local residents, creating space for direct engagement and clearer communication. It reflects Sarawak’s broader push to improve transparency and ensure assistance reaches those who qualify.
State authorities continue to call for closer cooperation between government agencies, community leaders and civil society groups. Stronger grassroots outreach, paired with responsible digital communication, will help ensure support reaches those in need while limiting the impact of misinformation.
