HAWANA 2026 Raises Hope For Better Welfare Of Retired Media Practitioners

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 25  (Bernama) -- After spending decades behind the scenes reporting events and documenting the nation’s development, many veteran media practitioners are now struggling to cope with life after retirement.

The hardship is especially felt among former journalists, full-time photographers and part-time reporters or stringers who once served with private media organisations but now have little or no stable source of income. 

Against this backdrop, many are placing their hopes on this year’s National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA), believing the annual celebration could pave the way for stronger welfare support and greater recognition for retired media practitioners.

The optimism follows Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil’s call in February for state media clubs under the Federation of Malaysian Media Clubs to submit proposals aimed at improving the welfare of former media workers ahead of HAWANA 2026.

Retired Terengganu Information Department photographer Shuhaimi Ahmad, 61, said the government’s concern and commitment towards media welfare had given fresh hope, especially to retirees who now require social and financial support.

“Many media practitioners, particularly those from private media organisations, struggle after retirement because they do not receive pensions and rely solely on Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings or personal savings.

“Those who served in government agencies like me may not face the same difficulties because we receive pensions. But I have seen many former colleagues from private media who are not only elderly and unwell, but are also living in hardship,” he told Bernama.

Shuhaimi, who served as a photographer with Berita Harian for 20 years, said the situation stemmed from the modest salaries earned by many media workers during their active years, especially freelance reporters and photographers.

“Some may have EPF savings, but it is often not enough because their income was small. It is also difficult to depend on their children, who have their own commitments,” he said.

The retiree, who left service in April last year, hopes the government will consider providing regular assistance, whether in the form of financial aid, medical treatment or daily necessities, to help ease the burden faced by veteran media practitioners.

Fahmi had earlier said proposals submitted by media clubs would be considered before the HAWANA  celebration to help develop a more systematic framework for the welfare of media industry workers.

He also urged state media clubs to play a more proactive role in identifying veteran practitioners who require assistance and in channelling recommendations to the ministry for further action.

Former head of programming at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Terengganu, Wan Abdul Rahman Hayat, said a comprehensive database should be created to compile information on both active and retired media practitioners.

“This is important to ensure no media practitioner is left out from receiving assistance, including aid provided through HAWANA. Some are too embarrassed to ask for help even though they genuinely need it.

“The minister’s proposal is timely because state media clubs know the senior practitioners in their respective states. With a proper database, assistance can be channelled more effectively based on their needs,” he said.

Wan Abdul Rahman, who retired five years ago, acknowledged that many former colleagues, particularly freelancers, were left without strong financial or social support after leaving the industry.

Former Harian Metro and Sinar Harian stringer Aminudin Ismail, 61, said the greatest challenge faced by freelance reporters begins when they are no longer able to work due to health problems.

“The contribution of freelance reporters is no different from permanent reporters. However, we do not have EPF savings or retirement benefits when our service ends.

“We hope the government can introduce a mechanism to help freelance reporters, especially when they fall ill or are unable to work,” said Aminudin, who had also served with several magazine publishers and media companies.

HAWANA 2026, themed “Media Integrity, Pillar of Credibility”, is scheduled to take place on June 20 at the PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre in Penang.

Organised annually by the Communications Ministry through the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, the event recognises the role and contributions of media practitioners. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate the celebration.

-- BERNAMA