Kuala lumpur: The regular organisation of the Wayang Pacak programme not only provides entertainment for communities but also serves as an important platform for the government to engage with the people and gather information on issues at the grassroots level. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the programme, a joint initiative by the Department of Information (JaPen) and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), enables information on local issues to be channelled directly to the relevant authorities for follow-up action.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi stated, "The Wayang Pacak programme is organised regularly by our friends at JaPen to engage with communities and bring films together with FINAS. At the same time, we take this opportunity to provide local residents with the latest information. JaPen constantly gathers information on local issues faced by communities for the relevant authorities to take action," he said when attending the programme at Taman Saujana Rompin near here tonight, together with JaPen director-general Erwin Khairul Ahmad and hundreds of residents from the surrounding area.
Fahmi noted that the use of mobile equipment such as the 'Jago', which is equipped with an LED screen, enables the programme to reach rural communities in other states, including Melaka and Penang, before continuing in Negeri Sembilan. He highlighted that the participation of people from various backgrounds, including nearby villagers and members of the Orang Asli community, demonstrated that the programme had successfully strengthened community ties while allowing residents to enjoy the films screened.
Fahmi expressed hope that the feedback and views gathered from local residents throughout the programme would help the government improve its services and policy implementation in the future.
Meanwhile, FINAS Assistant Director of Marketing Wan Noor Zazreena Wan Zaizodin remarked that while digital streaming platforms offer viewers a wide range of choices today, the experience of watching films together through the Wayang Pacak programme remains an irreplaceable expression of community togetherness. She said, "Streaming services certainly offer viewers many choices. However, the experience of watching something together as a community is something that cannot be replaced. Wayang Pacak is not merely about screening films. It is a space to revive the culture of watching films together and gives the public an opportunity to interact directly with local film industry practitioners," she told Bernama tonight.
She further explained that the initiative enables FINAS to bring Malaysian films directly to people across different communities and locations, including rural areas, while further strengthening public support for and appreciation of the local film industry.