291 Media Practitioners Have Benefitted From Tabung Kasih@HAWANA - Fahmi

KOTA BHARU, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- A total of 291 active and retired media practitioners across the country have benefitted from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative, established in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) in 2023.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that 46 recipients were from Kelantan.

He said journalists play a crucial role in reporting on domestic and international events, adding that their contributions to documenting history must not be overlooked, especially when they are facing hardships.

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"We will continue to support them by providing assistance through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA," he said after presenting the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA contribution to former part-time Utusan Malaysia reporter Hapizah Aziz, 71, who has been suffering from diabetes for the past 20 years, at her residence in Kampung Pintu Geng, here, today.

Also present were the Communications Ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

Fahmi also presented contributions to former Bernama editor Zabidi Ishar, who suffers from weak lungs and an enlarged heart, at Kampung Wakaf Stan, Kubang Kerian, near here.

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Meanwhile, Nur-ul Afida said Tabung Kasih@HAWANA is an initiative of the Communications Ministry to streamline contribution distribution.

"We strive to help our media colleagues in the best way possible. This fund has set criteria specifically for those battling chronic illnesses such as kidney disease and heart conditions.

"We also extend it to those facing difficulties, as many media colleagues have lost their jobs, have no steady income, and are struggling to make ends meet," she said, adding that the fund is also to help lighten the burden of active media practitioners who have not been paid.

She said media practitioners affected by floods also received proceeds from the fund to clean and repair their homes. 

"We welcome the suggestion from Communications Minister Fahmi to assist media associations or clubs in disseminating information about the issues faced. We will expedite assistance by delivering it personally and also through their respective bank accounts," she added.

Expressing his appreciation to the delegation, Zabidi said the contribution reflects the ministry's concern over the welfare of media personnel, both active and retired.

-- BERNAMA