KUALA TERENGGANU: Thirty media practitioners in Kelantan and Terengganu impacted by recent floods have received aid from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund as part of efforts to ease their burden. The initiative, launched by the Communications Ministry, aims to support media professionals who have significantly contributed to society.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil highlighted the importance of ensuring that media practitioners are not forgotten, especially in times of need. Since its launch in April last year, the initiative has benefited 234 media practitioners, with contributions from sponsors like AEON BiG, which provides essential items. Of the total recipients, 204 were individuals facing health issues or other challenges that required assistance.
Minister Fadzil made these remarks while visiting former Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) cameraman Asmara Mat Hassan in Kampung Sungai Rengas, who was among those receiving aid. The visit was attended by Malaysian National N
ews Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
Minister Fadzil also emphasized the need to expand the criteria for Tabung Kasih@HAWANA assistance beyond health and welfare issues. He mentioned exploring additional support during festive seasons, as well as addressing challenges like delayed or unpaid salaries for journalists. The goal is to extend immediate assistance to those in need.
Asmara, a 62-year-old former RTM cameraman with a career spanning 36 years, now requires dialysis and physiotherapy following a stroke in September. He has been dealing with kidney disease since May 2020. Alongside financial aid, Asmara received essential items from AEON BiG and expressed gratitude for the assistance, which will help with the cost of his dialysis treatments.
Asmara also advised active media practitioners to remain honest and transparent in their work, emphasizing the importance of utilizing available technology and resources to perfo
rm their duties effectively. The Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, established by the Communications Ministry through Bernama, aims to assist both active and retired journalists and media practitioners who are ailing or in need of support.