After Turkmenistan Visit, Anwar Flies Into Penang For One-day Trip

BUTTERWORTH, June 20 (Bernama) -- Immediately after concluding his official visit to Turkmenistan, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim flew into Penang today to attend several key events, including the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 Grand Finale.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, will begin his one-day working visit to the Pearl of the Orient by officially opening MKS Instruments Malaysia Sdn Bhd at Bandar Cassia Technology Park in Batu Kawan at 11 am.

He will then proceed to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Setia Fontaines Industrial Park at the Setia Experience Centre in Bandar Setia Fontaines, Kepala Batas, at 1 pm, a project that reflects Setia's long-term commitment to the economic development of Penang and the Northern Corridor.

During the ceremony, Setia will also launch two other strategic collaborations within the Setia Fontaines township.

The Prime Minister will then attend the HAWANA 2026 Grand Finale at PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena at 3 pm, which is expected to bring together about 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad.

At the event, the Prime Minister will present the HAWANA Award and Special HAWANA Award to individuals who have made significant contributions to journalism and the development of public thought. He is also scheduled to present contributions from Tabung Kasih@HAWANA to media practitioners in need.

HAWANA, organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, serves as the premier platform to recognise the contributions, dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia.

Earlier, the aircraft carrying the Prime Minister's delegation departed Ashgabat International Airport at 4.45 pm local time (7.45 pm Malaysian time).

The two-day official visit, which began on June 18, marked Anwar's first visit to Turkmenistan since assuming office as Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister in November 2022, at the invitation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Prior to visiting Turkmenistan, Anwar was in Kazan, Russia, to attend the 35th ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

After completing his visit to Penang, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the Himpunan Pertubuhan Lima Generasi (PLG) Malaysia dinner in Negeri Sembilan tonight.

-- BERNAMA