Penang administrative officers are in the dark about the state’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Enactment, although it is supposed to be implemented three days ago.

The law, passed in the Penang legislative assembly in November 2011 and gazetted in February 2012 with much fanfare.

It was touted as one of the positive developments in the state, following a similar enactment in Pakatan Rakyat-held Selangor.

 

On Jan 2, Malaysiakini tried to request for information, including the contract signed by the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) and Public Bike Share Sdn Bhd at the counters on level three of the Komtar building. 

 

However, the front desk officers said they have yet to receive any directive regarding the implementation of the FOI from the relevant authorities.

 

They also do not know who the information officer is and are not aware of the application procedures.

 

One of the officials attempted to obtain the information by making several telephone calls but failed to get any.

 

He then referred Malaysiakini to the state secretariat counter, where public get their visitor’s pass to access to various government offices in Komtar, but the person at the counter was also none-the-wiser.

There are no signboards, notices or streamers at government office to guide the public on how to apply for information.

 

'Give us some time'

Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy (below) , whose department is in charge of the task, said he will raise the issue at the state executive councillor’s meeting tomorrow.

 

“Please give us some time and we will get it up and running,” he said when contacted.

 

Today, when asked for information, MPPP’s front desk officer told Malaysiakini to go to the Public Relations Unit on the fourth floor, but the officer there was also clueless about the FOI.

 

He advised Malaysiakini to go directly to MPPP’s Building Department as the bike sharing system is under the purview of that department.

 

Up till now, there is no information about the FOI on the Penang government official website.

It is learnt that the previous list of each department’s information officer was removed and the website is still under maintenance.

In comparison, Selangor has uploaded the full enactment, by-laws, samples of application forms and guideline on how to apply for information.