Fahmi Says Kommuniti Madani Must Serve As Government’s Eyes and Ears at Grassroots Level
Community Representatives Urged To Respond Quickly To Public Issues and Counter Misinformation
KUALA LUMPUR — Fahmi Fadzil has stressed that Kommuniti Madani members must play a proactive role as the “eyes, ears, tongue, feet and hands” of the government in ensuring that policies, assistance and public initiatives effectively reach communities at the grassroots level.
The Communications Minister said appointed members of Kommuniti Madani carry a major responsibility to engage directly with the public, listen to community concerns and explain both federal and state government policies in ways that are simple and easy for ordinary citizens to understand.
According to him, the role has become increasingly important in ensuring the public receives accurate information while preventing confusion and misinformation surrounding government policies, particularly on social media platforms.
He added that the ministry would introduce mandatory intensive training programmes through collaboration with Institut Penyiaran dan Penerangan Tun Abdul Razak (IPPTAR) to equip members with communication and media skills.
The training, he said, would focus on graphic production, information delivery techniques and strategies for responding confidently and effectively to viral issues without hesitation.
“One of the first activities we are coordinating is visiting markets and food stalls to observe issues directly, including the availability of subsidised cooking oil packets and diesel supplies at petrol stations.
“Channel the information quickly so that immediate intervention can be carried out every week,” he said during the appointment letter presentation ceremony for Kommuniti Madani representatives from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor today.
Also present at the event were Amirudin Shari and director-general of the Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia, Julina Johan.
During his speech, Fahmi Fadzil also warned members to remain vigilant against provocative tactics on social media, especially attempts by irresponsible parties to manipulate racial and religious sentiments through fake accounts and misleading narratives.
He said such actions could threaten public harmony if not addressed swiftly and responsibly.
A total of 234 Kommuniti Madani chiefs from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor received appointment letters for the 2026/2027 term as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots communication networks in urban and suburban communities.
Meanwhile, Amirudin Shari stressed that issues raised by the public must be responded to quickly, ideally within 24 hours or at least within four hours after being highlighted.
According to him, immediate responses are necessary to prevent confusion and misinformation from spreading further among the public, particularly when issues become viral online.
“Our responsibility now is to correct information that has been misinterpreted out there.
“Master the tools, master the content and ensure our movement is aligned as a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort to defend the truth behind every issue,” he said.
He added that strong communication at the community level is essential in helping the government deliver accurate information while maintaining public confidence in government policies and initiatives.
-wilayah.com.my
