Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin has another novel idea to keep Malaysians informed - via 'wall newspapers'.

According to him, the Information Department will begin putting up newspaper clippings at public places in the country beginning next year in a move to bring about a more informed society.

These "wall newspapers" are aimed at encouraging the people to read and learn of the latest developments in the country and abroad, according to a Bernama report.

Zainuddin had announced the ministry's plan in May and said the wall newspapers would give the people the actual picture of current situations and that they would not be easily influenced by those websites which spread hatred against the government.

People approached by Bernama about wall newspapers welcomed the idea, saying it would help them keep track of domestic and world news.

Mohamad Amirul Haziq, 23, an undergraduate, said the concept of wall newspapers would instill the urge to read in the people and keep them abreast of current developments.

Approach praised

"It is a tedious process of buying and reading all the main newspapers. Furthermore, buying all the newspapers can also be a costly affair. The wall newspapers can help all the people, including people like me who are looking for jobs," he told Bernama.

Teacher Hazimah Samin, 39, praised the approach to increase the channels of information for the people, saying she had come across the concept on her visits to China and several other countries.

"When I was in China several years ago, I was most impressed by the Chinese government's approach of erecting notice boards along the main roads and putting up newspaper clippings for the people to read on their way to and from work," she said.

A civil servant, Fadhilah Abd Manan, 30, said the government's initiative should also be taken up by the private sector.

"Owing to the limited time, not everyone has the chance to watch the news (on television) and read newspapers, so these wall newspapers give us the chance to catch up on the news," she said.

Meanwhile, various state Information Departments have identified strategic locations in their cities and towns for the wall newspapers.