THE Penang Information Division, under the Chief Minister’s Office, has successfully fostered close ties among the community once again through the vibrant Hari Buletin 2.0 here in Balik Pulau today.
Drawing families together from near and far, the event was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the people and the Penang government in realizing the Penang2030 vision, towards a Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation, as proclaimed five years ago.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow congratulated the Penang Information Division team for successfully organising the second edition of the Hari Buletin. The first was held on March 18 at Taman Tangling, Bukit Tambun in Batu Kawan.
“In addition to embracing the local community, Buletin Mutiara, the official media of the Penang government, aims to give back to its readers and loyal social media followers through activities specially designed for the whole family.
“We hope that with the continuous support from all of you, Hari Buletin will traverse the entire Penang as a platform for family interaction.
“Buletin Mutiara plays a role in delivering information on current issues and government policies. Keeping up with the times, Buletin Mutiara is now available not only in print but also online, allowing for broader access,” Chow said, reflecting on the history of Buletin Mutiara’s initial publication in 2010.
Chow said that people often encounter sensationalised news without verified authenticity in this era of rapid circulation and technological advancements.
“There were also some who became fanatical about social media platforms that disseminate such content. Apart from causing misunderstandings, such content sometimes indirectly touches on sensitive ethnic issues, leading to discord and division in a state or even a country.
“Therefore, let us choose, filter, and scrutinise what we read.
“And to our children, never allow them to be deceived or addicted to negative reading materials and social media platforms that can negatively shape their character,” Chow said in his closing speech at the Balik Pulau Sports Complex.
He commended Buletin Mutiara for its ethical stance to report only true news without touching on the sensitivities of any party.
“As a result, this publication continues to be the preferred newspaper published and broadcasted by the Penang government.
“The Hari Buletin is an indirect manifestation of the people’s acceptance towards this publication.
“I warmly welcome the cooperation of all parties, whether governmental, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or private entities, to join hands with Buletin Mutiara in advocating for accurate news reporting and dissemination,” Chow said.
Many exciting events such as singing, colouring, and drawing competitions; best costume design contests, mural/graffiti painting contests, and family sports activities were held this morning.
Various government agencies also set up attractive exhibition booths and displayed informative materials which benefitted the visitors.
Also present were Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz, Penang southwest district officer Mohd Hafiz Aswad Nadzri, Chow’s senior confidential secretary Muhamad Azrai Mohamad Zaini, and communications director Yap Lee Ying.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting
