By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Nov 29: The print media is still very much relevant despite the mushrooming of media portals in the digital age.
People still look up to the traditional (print) media to verify news that they received through the social media, said Awang Johari Awang Mustapha, director of Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) here last night.
“I personally feel that the role of the traditional media is still relevant and important. As we all know, not all news on social media is accurate; some are fake news to mislead the people,” he said at the Ukas-Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) inaugural media night here after a friendly bowling match yesterday.
“This is all related to integrity because as journalists, you report what you have received from reliable sources and not just accept any news without checking the facts.”
He revealed that his office also depended on local newspapers daily to scan for issues that are related to the government’s service delivery.
“So, your role is again important to us because your news is a reliable source to inform us of what the public wants the government to do and to take action on certain things,” he said.
Awang Johari also mentioned the media’s role as a partner to the state government in nation-building.
“Each day, there will be reports on development news being done by the government, and this is a good thing as it shows to the public what the government is doing for them,” he shared.
Meanwhile, in the Ukas-NSJA bowling friendly match, Media Team 1 comprising team leader NSJA president Andy Jong, Wong King Min (Sin Chew Daily), Liong Chai Ling (Utusan Sarawak) and Margaret Ringgit (New Sarawak Tribune) emerged as champion. They edged the Ukas team led by Awang Johari which came in second. RTM TEAM 2 came in third. — DayakDaily
