Kota Kinabalu: The Community Communications Department (J-KOM) is prioritising youth engagement to enhance understanding and support for government policies and initiatives, recognising the younger generation’s dominance on social media platforms.
Its Director-General, Datuk Ismail Yusop, said effective communication with youth requires a more empathetic and engaging approach rather than confrontation.
“If we adopt a confrontational approach, they will distance themselves even further from us. That is why it is essential for us to engage with them and understand them, as their psychology differs from that of previous generations,” he said during a media interview after a courtesy visit to Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu recently.
Ismail stressed the importance of grassroots-level programmes, noting that an overreliance on digital communication risks losing the personal, human connection.
He also reiterated J-KOM’s core role as a socio-political government agency providing clear, accurate information to the public on government policies and development efforts.
“Political stability and the well-being of the people remain our primary focus. Hence, it is important for the public to understand all government efforts so that they will continue to support the initiatives being implemented,” he added.
The courtesy visit was also intended to introduce Ismail officially following his appointment as Director-General of J-KOM on January 15.
Also present were Deputy Director-General (Community Communication) Suwadi Guiling and J-KOM Sabah Director Milus Alu@Abdul Wahab.
Its Director-General, Datuk Ismail Yusop, said effective communication with youth requires a more empathetic and engaging approach rather than confrontation.
“If we adopt a confrontational approach, they will distance themselves even further from us. That is why it is essential for us to engage with them and understand them, as their psychology differs from that of previous generations,” he said during a media interview after a courtesy visit to Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu recently.
Ismail stressed the importance of grassroots-level programmes, noting that an overreliance on digital communication risks losing the personal, human connection.
He also reiterated J-KOM’s core role as a socio-political government agency providing clear, accurate information to the public on government policies and development efforts.
“Political stability and the well-being of the people remain our primary focus. Hence, it is important for the public to understand all government efforts so that they will continue to support the initiatives being implemented,” he added.
The courtesy visit was also intended to introduce Ismail officially following his appointment as Director-General of J-KOM on January 15.
Also present were Deputy Director-General (Community Communication) Suwadi Guiling and J-KOM Sabah Director Milus Alu@Abdul Wahab.
