Johor: The Johor Department of Information (JAPEN) has fully deployed 26 Info On Wheels (IOW) mobile units to disseminate official information and encourage voters to cast their ballots in the 16th Johor state election. Johor JAPEN director Mohd Rizal Hashim stated that the units have been mobilised across all 10 districts and 56 state constituencies throughout Johor to ensure election-related information reaches the public directly.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the frequency of announcements will be intensified during the three days leading up to polling day, particularly in the morning and evening, to remind voters to check their voter status and plan their journeys to fulfil their civic responsibility. "Our approach is that the Department of Information does not wait for the people to seek information. Instead, we go into the field to reach them," Mohd Rizal told Bernama.

He further explained that JAPEN teams are actively covering densely populated urban areas, residential neighbourhoods, as well as rural communities, Felda settlements, and Orang Asli villages. The information campaign has two main objectives: to ensure that essential and official information from the Election Commission (EC), such as polling dates, voter status checks and reminders to vote, reaches the public.

Mohd Rizal also highlighted that JAPEN personnel are conducting face-to-face advocacy programmes to counter the spread of fake news and slander, which tend to proliferate during election periods. "We want the people of Johor to cast their votes based on verified facts in a peaceful and harmonious environment," he said.

Emphasizing the importance of voting, Mohd Rizal stated that it is not merely a right but also a responsibility that enables the people to determine the state's development, economic direction, and well-being over the next five years. Elections provide the greatest opportunity for the people to exercise their voice and decide on their elected representatives and government.

He advised voters to plan their journeys early and not miss the opportunity to fulfil their responsibility on polling day this Saturday. Additionally, he reminded the public to be more vigilant against the spread of unverified information on social media throughout the election period.