Kampung Batu Laut Villagers Visit Bernama To Boost Santuni MADANI Ties

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The visit by the villagers of Kampung Batu Laut, the Malaysian National News Agency’s (Bernama) adopted village, to its headquarters today highlights key efforts to strengthen two-way ties under the Santuni MADANI: Satu Pemimpin Satu Kampung (One Leader, One Village) programme.

Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said the visit builds on the agency's efforts to aid communities and unlock their potential through sustained engagement and regular check-ins.

"This visit means a lot to us and inspires us to keep delivering fast, efficient and people-focused services as part of the Communications Ministry and we aim to provide accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive news.

"It not only strengthens Bernama's bond with Kampung Batu Laut residents but also shows our joint commitment to safeguarding the nation's heritage for future generations, aligning with Malaysia MADANI goals," she said.

Nur-ul Afida made these remarks at the welcoming event for the delegation in Bernama Hall here. Her speech was delivered by Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain, Bernama's head of Management and Finance, who also leads the agency's Santuni MADANI programme.

Meanwhile, Nur-ul Afida said the Bernama Santuni MADANI secretariat has lined up community workshops on colouring therapy, self-discovery, Canva skills, AKRAB (public service counselling associates) mentoring, bibliotherapy and writing, alongside road safety talks and local sports, among other things, for the village this year.

She also offered condolences to the family and villagers over the death of their former village chief, Subandi Sangadi, who played a key role in past programme collaborations.

Nur-ul Afida congratulated Abdul Wafiq Sani on becoming the new village chief and hoped he would take on the role with full commitment.

Abdul Wafiq told Bernama he was thrilled with the visit, which gave villagers a chance to understand the process of producing accurate news.

"I hope this visit brings Bernama and Kampung Batu Laut even closer, and that programmes like this keep going in the future,” he said.

The 33-member delegation arrived at 10 am, welcomed by Sharifah Zaini along with Bernama acting deputy editor-in chief (Economic News Services) Harlina Samson and Bernama Digital Library senior manager Hasnita Ibrahim.

To mark the visit, Kampung Batu Laut residents enjoyed a lunch reception attended by Nur-ul Afida and toured the Digital Library, Digital Media Desk, Bernama TV and Editorial Department to see firsthand how the agency distributes news.

The delegation also joined a live interview on Bernama Radio and received a briefing on the news agency's operations.

Kampung Batu Laut in Tanjung Sepat, Sepang, has been Bernama's MADANI adopted village since its launch on Oct 12, 2024, under the One Leader, One Village programme, an initiative to tackle grassroots needs through activities addressing school dropouts, providing community aid, and empowering village development potential.

-- BERNAMA