Kuala Lumpur: A total of 405 media practitioners across the nation have received support from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative since its inception during the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebrations in 2023. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced plans to extend this support to more media professionals during the HAWANA 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL) on Saturday, June 14.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi emphasized the initiative’s commitment to not only reach out to new beneficiaries but also revisit those who have previously received aid. He expressed a willingness to explore additional assistance for those in need. Fahmi made these remarks following his presentation of the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA contribution to News Straits Times (NST) photo editor Ikhwan Munir, who is currently undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer at Putrajaya Hospital.

Accompanying the minister during the presentation were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Media Prima Group managing editor Jasbant Singh. The fund, driven by the Communications Ministry and executed by Bernama, aims to provide continued support for media professionals like Ikhwan, who has two children aged seven and 23, and whose wife is unable to work due to his health condition.

Fahmi assured that Bernama would keep a close watch on Ikhwan’s needs and assess if further assistance is required. In addition to these efforts, Fahmi also took the opportunity to gather feedback from Putrajaya Hospital authorities regarding telecommunication coverage and Internet access at the facility. While generally satisfactory, a minor issue with one telecommunication service provider was noted, prompting Fahmi to request the company to optimize its services at the hospital’s new wing.