Engage your council via social media

Embracing the future: Johary said local authorities can use social media to build public participation through forums and chat groups to discuss local issues.

Local authorities in Selangor have been urged to make full use of social networks and mobile platforms to engage the public.

Selangor Economic Planning Unit — Local Authority Section deputy director Johary Anuar said social media offered local authorities’ new communication avenues.

“The state government had ordered all local authorities to be active on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“All 12 local authorities have embraced social media under the Selangor Action Plan.”

“Technology will never stay still and there will always be a new app or social media tool that may become the latest trend. Local authorities must accept such platforms as it changes its method of disseminating information to its stakeholders.

“People of all ages are now using smartphones.

Diligent: Johary discussing with his staff the progress of their work.

“Most people spend an estimated one-third of their time online on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter as well as on apps such as Whatsapp.

“Local authorities can use this platform to build public participation through forums and chat groups to discuss local issues and obtain feedback,” he said.

Johary added mobile applications have the potential to give people and the local authorities a chance to work together on several projects.

“All department heads in the local authorities must promote civic engagement via social networking sites,” he said, adding the state governments wants officers to crowd source ideas.

Despite the new emphasis on enhanced communication via social networking tools, the old-fashioned methods are still relevant.

“Our staff can still visit a neighbourhood on a Sunday evening to meet people there who will be able to give suggestions on various issues that are in their area,” Johary said.

“Any form of engagement, be it face to face or on social networks, must be balanced, truthful and collaborative so that any plan reflects the community’s aspirations and obtains their support,” he added.

Johary has a Master of Science in Urban Management from the University of Technology, Berlin, Germany.

He has served as a programme coordinator with the National Institute of Public Administration’s (Intan) Centre for Urban and Environmental Management.