Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Communications is providing financial support to media clubs across Malaysia, allocating RM10,000 to each state media club that is a member of the Malaysian Media Clubs Association (GKMM). Additionally, GKMM itself is receiving RM30,000 to facilitate activities and programmes that support journalists' welfare.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil expressed hope that the funds would be used effectively to benefit media practitioners. Fahmi emphasized the importance of GKMM as a platform for addressing media practitioners' concerns, welfare issues, and aspirations for the journalism industry's future. He made these remarks during the Malaysia Media Retreat Programme 2.0.

The event was attended by several notable figures, including Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. Fahmi highlighted journalists' vital role in documenting events and converting information from primary sources into news through their discipline, experience, and skills.

Fahmi also underscored that journalists cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence, asserting that news cannot exist without them. He reaffirmed the commitment of both himself and the Communications Ministry to preserving journalists' jobs. Although GKMM is not a workers' union, Fahmi noted that it could still effectively communicate the issues faced by media practitioners to the government, enabling consideration of appropriate assistance.

Furthermore, Fahmi stated that the government will continue to consult with media practitioners in policy formulation, as demonstrated in the drafting of the Malaysian Media Council Act, which was significantly informed by the media industry's suggestions and views.