Welfare of media practitioners in Bernama protected - KKD

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- Various aspects are taken into consideration in relation to the welfare of media practitioners at the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), including the benefits that are provided for its contract workers.

The Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) in a reply posted on the Parliament website informed that this included annual salary increases, payment of newsreader's allowance, annual medical benefit, rest and sick leave and other benefits that contractual staff are entitled to.

"The workers are also given mobile phone bill allowance and entitled to travel claims when performing tasks outside the office.

“This welfare aspect also includes support services, especially emotional support where the workers are given the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings on work-related matters through Akrab Bernama," read the reply. 

This was in response to a question from Sim Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru) who wanted to know the steps taken by the ministry to improve the salaries and welfare of media practitioners following a revelation by a former Bernama newsreader previously.

In addition,  KKD said that media freedom is guaranteed in this country and this is one of the government's commitments to ensure smooth and effective checks and balances.

KKD is also actively evaluating and holding engagement sessions with stakeholders on the proposed establishment of a council that will function to protect media freedom and journalists as well as empower journalistic professionalism in raising ethical standards and practices of the media.

In showing appreciation and elevating the profession, KKD through Bernama organises the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) which is a platform for journalists and media practitioners to share opinions in helping to develop the country and strengthen unity among the communities  through ethical writing.

Besides that, HAWANA is able to strengthen the existing relations between the media and the government while maintaining unity among journalists and the media in this country.

-- BERNAMA