Tabung Kasih@HAWANA Brings Meaningful Festive Cheers To Two Ailing Media Practioners

JOHOR BAHRU, 16 Feb (Bernama) -- This year’s Chinese New Year and Ramadan celebrations are set to be significantly meaningful for two former media practitioners in Skudai who are faced with health challenges, after receiving contributions through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund today.

In a touching gesture, former Media Prima cameraman Idrus Rahmat, 55, and former Oriental Daily journalist Low Sock Ken, 68, personally received assistance in the form of cash donations and basic necessities from Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at their respective homes.

This marks them as the 643rd and 644th recipients of the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative since its introduction in April 2023. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Communications through the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).

Idrus, who was diagnosed with liver cancer last year, expressed his gratitude for the government’s concern toward media practitioners through this aid.

“I was quite surprised to receive this good news, but I am very thankful that the government, through the Ministry of Communications, still cares for us even though we are no longer in service,” he said when met at his home in Kampung Skudai Kiri today.

Also present were Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Idrus, a father of two who served 29 years with Media Prima, also suffers from heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and currently relies on monthly assistance from his children.

Meanwhile, Low - who faces heart issues, thyroid problems, and cataract - said she never expected a visit from Fahmi at her home in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah.

“That veteran media practitioners like me are still remembered is very moving,” said Low, who underwent a heart stent procedure in 2018 and still requires ongoing treatment and medication.

She has served at various Chinese-language newspapers since 1982, including Nanyang Siang Pau, Sin Chew Daily, and The Sun, with her last role being a journalist at Oriental Daily in 2021.

Fahmi stated that several follow-up actions would be taken, including coordinating with state executive councillors and relevant Members of Parliament to secure further assistance for Idrus, specifically regarding hospital treatment and home roof repairs.

“I hope my presence and that of my colleagues today provides encouragement to Brother Idrus, who is currently facing great challenges,” he said.

The Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative, launched in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2023, symbolises the MADANI Government’s commitment to showing compassion, empathy, and appreciation for media practitioners.

The initiative assists both active and retired journalists and media workers who are ill, facing financial hardship, health issues, or in need of immediate assistance to ease their burdens.

--BERNAMA