KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry's online ambassador scheme does not involve additional costs, said Minister Nga Kor Ming today.
He said this was because the online ambassadors were ministry staff who promoted its products and services.
"The online ambassadors, or key opinion leaders, are volunteers from departments and agencies under the ministry's supervision.
"They seek to disseminate clear messages to the public about programmes, products and services offered by the ministry and its agencies.
"It also provides a platform for them to express opinions about the services of the Madani government."
He said this in a response to former housing and local government minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin questioning the scheme.
Yesterday, Zuraida questioned the appointment of the 200 online ambassadors, saying these civil servants should be used for their actual duties.
She said these appointments were unnecessary, especially since the Madani government administration had a communication machinery that did not require assistance from civil servants.
Nga said follow-up training for the online ambassadors was provided by the ministry's Corporate Communications Unit to help civil servants master social media.
"The ministry's initiatives include MyKiosk 2.0 with rentals under RM300 per month; the National Housing Data Bank System (Teduh) by the National Housing Department for checking developers' background, and educational content such as using fire extinguishers properly.
"This programme helps build a positive government image by delivering accurate information and countering slander."