Melaka Hari Ini and Bernama ink MoU on news exchange and training

MELAKA, Dec 28  -- Melaka Hari Ini Sdn Bhd (MHI) and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in news exchange and training.

Bernama chief executive officer Datuk Mokhtar Hussain said it was Bernama's desire to work more closely with media partners like MHI as Melaka offered plenty of opportunities for news production especially on the economy.

“We know Melaka has major long-term plans, especially in the economic aspect. So with this cooperation, Bernama can help to disseminate news not only in Malaysia but also outside the country as Bernama has a network of news agencies overseas, including in West Asia, China and Indonesia. 

"With Bernama's multiple platforms such as Bernama TV, Bernama Radio and Digital Media, we believe this is a good form of cooperation not only in terms of news but also various programmes for dissemination overseas,” he told reporters after signing the MoU at Seri Negeri here.

Mokhtar and MHI chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Jalil Abdul Hamid signed the MoU, in the presence of Bernama chairman Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, who witnessed the exchange of documents between the two parties.

Also present were MHI chief operating officer Anuar Shaari and Bernama deputy editor-in-chief (business and finance) Roslan Ariffin. 

The MoU covers cooperation on exchange of news and visual news, journalism training, strategic partnership and media research.

Mokhtar said he had been closely following developments at MHI, which was involved in not only news production but also charity programmes.

"This included the flood disaster relief mission to Pahang on Dec 25 where MHI was picked as the official media for the mission,” he added.

Abdul Jalil said the MoU was in line with the company's strategy to bring MHI to the national level to further promote its brand name.

"MHI is already 40 years old and this is the best time to bring MHI to the next level. The best way is to cooperate with a big media brand like Bernama. This is a win-win partnership," he added.

He is confident that the cooperation would create opportunities for MHI staff to learn and share knowledge with Bernama. 

Meanwhile, Sulaiman said he welcomed the cooperation and hoped it would lead to the production of more quality news, especially in relation to Melaka as a tourism state.

“We hope this cooperation will pave the way for more news articles on Melaka to be channelled overseas to help attract more foreign tourists and investors,” he said.

Earlier, a Bernama delegation led by Ras Adiba called on Sulaiman at the Chief Minister's office at Seri Negeri.

-- BERNAMA