KUCHING, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- The vital role and contributions of the media during the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) have earned recognition from Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and the Sarawak Public Communications Unit [UKAS]) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the Premier commended the media for their comprehensive coverage, which extended beyond competition results to include heartwarming stories, moments of camaraderie and acts of humanity.
“I would like to convey the Premier’s message from the cabinet meeting yesterday, where he emphasised the creativity and dedication of journalists in delivering interesting news throughout SUKMA.
“Stories like these that reflect unity and humanity are important to share, in addition to coverage of the Games and sensational issues,” he said at the ‘Picture and Story of the Day’ award ceremony held in conjunction with SUKMA 2024 here today.
Abdullah said to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the media, the SUKMA secretariat and UKAS organised the ‘best photograph’ and ‘best story’ contests for the media throughout the event.
“The prizes may not be much, but they remain meaningful for those who have worked hard in reporting and documenting the event.
“This is from the secretariat, and there will be another award from UKAS presented after SUKMA concludes, with a special informal event for the media where the awards will be given,” he said.
The winners of both categories will each receive RM2,000, while the second and third-place winners will receive RM1,000 and RM500, respectively.
Meanwhile, in a statement, UKAS said that from Aug 13 until yesterday, a total of 177 entries were received for the best photo competition and 101 submissions for the best story, with all daily winners receiving a cash prize of RM100.
Two Bernama photographers, Muhammad Syafiq Hashim and Zulfadhli Zulkifli, were among the nine daily best photo winners, while Bernama journalist Muhammad Zulkarnain Mohd Azman was listed as one of the eight daily best story winners.
-- BERNAMA