Kuala lumpur: The RM2.57 million upgrade of Wisma Bernama's cooling tower will not only improve the building's cooling efficiency but also help ensure uninterrupted operations at the Malaysian National News Agency's headquarters.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj emphasized the importance of reliable infrastructure in supporting the agency's continuous operations, especially in delivering credible, accurate, and up-to-date news. The project, funded under the 12th Malaysia Plan Rolling Plan 5 (12MP RP5), was completed on July 22, a day ahead of schedule, at a contract value of RM2,566,099.
'The improvements to these systems and facilities will enable Bernama to reduce the risk of operational disruptions, improve facilities management efficiency and provide a more conducive working environment to support uninterrupted news services,' Arul Rajoo stated at the project handover ceremony. Key attendees included Public Works Department (JKR) Mechanical Engineering Branch senior director Ir Suhaili Mansor, Kuala Lumpur JKR director Ir Mazlan Mustapha, Bernama acting deputy editor-in-chief of Economic News Service Harlina Samson, head of Management and Finance Services Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain, and senior officials from both agencies.
Arul Rajoo detailed that the project encompassed the replacement of the cooling tower and water tanks, the modernisation of the Building Automation System (BAS), as well as maintenance and upgrades to supporting facilities. He expressed gratitude to JKR, particularly its Mechanical Engineering Branch and Kuala Lumpur office, for their technical expertise, advice, and oversight throughout the project. He also acknowledged the Communications Ministry for its support, including the funding that enabled the project's implementation.
He concluded that the project's completion marks a foundation for ongoing collaboration between Bernama and JKR to maintain the agency's facilities and infrastructure in optimal condition. Meanwhile, Suhaili highlighted the challenge of executing the upgrade while ensuring Bernama's headquarters remained fully operational, noting that the air-conditioning system is crucial for the continuity of daily operations at Wisma Bernama.