Tabung Kasih@HAWANA Nears Annual Target Of Assisting 300 Media Practitioners - Teo
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund has nearly reached its annual target of helping 300 media practitioners, with close to RM1 million in allocations successfully distributed this year, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
She said a total of 275 media practitioners nationwide have benefitted from the initiative this year, involving contributions exceeding RM830,000.
“Since its launch in 2023, Tabung Kasih@HAWANA has assisted 532 individuals with total aid of over RM1.53 million, reflecting the MADANI Government’s commitment through the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) to the welfare of media professionals.
“Among the recipients, 74 were Tamil media practitioners who collectively received over RM220,000 in aid, while this year alone, 44 individuals from the community benefited from RM132,000 in assistance,” she said at the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA Contribution Presentation Ceremony in conjunction with the Deepavali 2025 celebration at Wisma Bernama here today.
Also present were Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Telecommunications Infrastructure) Mano Verabathran, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama editor-in-chief and HAWANA 2025 project director Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
A total of 16 media practitioners facing health challenges and hardships received aid at the event, including Penerbitan Sahabat Malaysia Sdn Bhd machine operator M. Gopal, 58; Malaysia Nanban typesetter Zubaidah Mohamed Sharrif, 55; former Nambikkai Sdn Bhd journalist Ashwini Gopal Senthamarai, 26; former Tamil Malar managing editor Datuk M. Periasamy, 73; and former Tamil Malar journalist R. Subramaniam, 69. Periasamy was represented at the event by his son, P. Gunaseelan.
Also receiving contributions were former Makkal Osai photographer P. Malayanadi, 67; former Tamil Nesan machine technician P. Krishnan, 66; former Malaysia Nanban journalist Nagasamy Govindan, 76; and Malaysia Nanban typesetters R. Punitha, 40, and V. Indria Gandhi, 58.
Other recipients were Malaysia Nanban editor-in-chief M. Rajintheram, 69; Malaysia Nanban journalist S. S. Jeevaraja, 47; Tamillens Online Media chief editor V. Yettrivanan, 37; Minnal FM RTM staff member Kunasundary Nagarajah, 44; Mandarin News Desk (Media Prima) journalist Wong Zhi Zhen, 33; Malaysia Gazette senior journalist S. Kumara, 46.
Teo expressed hope that the fund will continue to be strengthened and expanded to reach more media practitioners in need.
“Those who require help, or know someone who does, can apply through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA secretariat or contact my office directly.
“We are always ready to assist because this initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind,” she said.
Teo also commended Bernama for organising the event, held for the first time in collaboration with her office, saying such efforts should continue.
“Congratulations to Bernama for this meaningful initiative. It is a fitting gesture to recognise the contributions of media practitioners who serve as the backbone in delivering accurate information to the public, regardless of time or circumstance,” she added.
-- BERNAMA
