Internet Safety, Cyberbullying Awareness Take Centre Stage At Perlis Connect Programme

PADANG BESAR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- The Perlis Connect programme organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at Padang Besar Street here is an effective platform to raise awareness on safe internet use, highlighting the dangers of cyberbullying and online scams.

Most visitors interviewed by Bernama during the one-day programme today said Perlis Connect gave them exposure to the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) by MCMC.

A student of Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Beseri near here, Muhammad Rifqee Mirza Mohd Sharizal, 14, said he was excited to gain knowledge on safe internet use, as well as greater awareness of cyberbullying.

"I came with my teacher for this visit and I learned many things, including how to avoid becoming a victim of cyberbullying," he said.

Expressing the same view, a housewife, Juliana Arianti Armain, 39, who came from Kangar with her two children aged eight and nine to attend the programme, said Perlis Connect helped parents to understand the challenges of monitoring their children's gadget use, especially when it comes to internet access.

“A programme like this opens our eyes to the threats in cyberspace and the importance of taking early steps to protect their (children’s) safety,” she said.

The one-day programme also gave the community with an opportunity to learn about the facilities provided by the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), with Perlis Connect providing a platform for NADI entrepreneurs in the state to market their products.

A trader in Padang Besar Street, Ahmad Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, 48, said the programme also gave him the opportunity to expand his business network and expose him to NADI’s role in helping entrepreneurs master digital marketing techniques.

“I sell bed sheets. A programme like this has a lively atmosphere where people can get acquainted with our products. I just found out that with NADI, entrepreneurs can also learn how to expand their business digitally,” he said.

There were various engaging and informative contents in the programme organised in collaboration with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) including a pocket talk on bullying as part of efforts to intensify anti-bullying efforts among students.

Bernama also brought along a mobile studio from KL headquarters in the form of a customised motorhome to further enliven the programme, giving visitors a first-hand look at the scope of work in the field of journalism and broadcasting.

At the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) booth, visitors can check summonses and get a 50 per cent discount on summons payments.

The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, is scheduled to officiate the programme later today.

Among those attending the opening ceremony are Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC Commission Member Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, MCMC Managing Director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

-- BERNAMA