Internet has eroded neighbourliness, observes assemblyman
MIRI: The advancement of technology such as the internet has brought not only much benefit to the society, but also disadvantages in the social system of the global community.
Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting said such threats also affect Sarawakians although Sarawak is the number one state in Malaysia practising the 1Malaysia concept – its multi-racial people living in harmony and peace for generations.
“The spirit of neighbourliness and oneness has greatly been eroded with the advancement of the internet, making people more individualistic and care little about others, including among family members.
“The government wants the people to revive such spirit and make it a culture as part of the social security system, otherwise social ills including child abuse will worsen,” said Ting recently.
He was closing a two- day family and children enrichment programme entitled ‘ Kanakkanak Pewaris Pertiwiku – Dirimu Sangat Berharga’ organised by the Welfare Department, at a shopping complex here.
Among those present were Welfare Department deputy director Ahmad Tarmidi Nawawi Abdul Razak, who represented the director, and Nur Murklisya Fatha Abdullah who represented Miri Resident.
Ting stressed that the government, on its part, viewed seriously social problems, including those affecting women and children, and that it has implemented many laws including the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521) Amendment 2012 to curb violence against women and abuse of children.
On the programme, Ting commended the department and hoped that the people will continue to work closely with the department and the authorities in efforts to stamp out social ills.
“This programme is also an excellent platform to nurture the talents of children who are the nation’s inheritors,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Ahmad said the programme was part of their annual activities to create greater awareness among parents and children of their rights and also to the dangers of social problems including child abuse, child and drug trafficking and drug abuse.
Among the activities held were exhibitions by the relevant departments and agencies, telematch and competitions on dancing, colouring, story-telling, singing and playing of musical instruments.
Prizes to the winners were jointly presented by Ting, Ahmad and other invited guests.