158 Media Practitioners Benefit From Tabung Kasih@HAWANA Initiative

KUALA SELANGOR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- A total of 158 media practitioners, including veterans and those facing life hardship or health issues, have received assistance through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

She said the number is nearing the target of 200 media practitioners set to be supported this year through the RM1 million fund provided by the government.

“The goal of Tabung Kasih@HAWANA is to help our fellow media practitioners, whether they are still working or retired. So far, 158 have been assisted.

“We will continue our efforts to identify another 42 media practitioners in need to reach the target of 200 recipients,” she said.

Teo was met after handing over contributions from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund in conjunction with the Deepavali celebrations to K. Loganathan, a former translator for the Malaysia Nanban newspaper, at his residence in Bestari Jaya here today.

Also present was Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Teo also urged media associations or individuals who are aware of media practitioners or former employees in need of assistance to contact Bernama, the secretariat of the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, to nominate potential recipients.

Meanwhile, Arul Rajoo said that in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebrations, Bernama has received 16 names from the Tamil Media Association, and efforts are underway to distribute the aid by Oct 31.

He added that Bernama is collaborating with media associations and clubs in various states to identify eligible media practitioners nationwide.

“Everything is running smoothly so far. Once we receive the list, we will review, verify and, upon approval, channel the aid directly to the individuals concerned,” he said.

At the same time, Loganathan, 43, expressed his gratitude to Bernama and the government for the assistance, noting that it would significantly ease his burden as Deepavali approaches.

“I’m truly thankful to the government for the cash, clothes and goods provided. With this money, I can purchase essential supplies for the coming months,” said Loganathan, who now writes advertisements for a living.

Tabung Kasih@HAWANA was set up in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2023 celebrations with the aim of reaching out to former and current journalists and media practitioners in need of assistance.

-- BERNAMA