Butterworth: Preparations for the 2026 National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) celebration, set to be held on June 20 at the PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre here, are progressing smoothly and have been strengthened through collaboration between the Communications Ministry and the Penang state government.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil expressed the ministry's appreciation for the state government's readiness to host the 2026 HAWANA celebration and its commitment to ensuring the event's smooth preparations.
The highlight of the 2026 HAWANA celebration in Penang will feature three main events: a media dinner with Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib on June 19, the HAWANA 2026 main event on June 20, and Mai Riuh@HAWANA, which will run from June 19 to 21. A key aspect of this year's HAWANA is the special invitation extended to information and communications ministers from ASEAN countries to attend the 2026 celebrations.
Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil made these remarks while co-chairing the HAWANA 2026 Main Committee meeting with Penang deputy state secretary (Management) Muhamad Ghopran Yeop Hamzah at the PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre. The meeting was attended by other notable figures, including Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Mohd Shukri Ishak, who also serves as HAWANA 2026 project director, Bernama Head of Management Services and Finance Department Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain, and Head of Corporate Affairs Mariati Mohd Arif.
Bahria further noted that MyCreative Ventures' involvement in the Mai Riuh@HAWANA programme will promote community inclusivity through Rahmah sales and the participation of vendors from among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Meanwhile, Muhamad Ghopran emphasized the state government's appreciation for the trust placed in Penang and its commitment to providing full cooperation and support to ensure the successful hosting of HAWANA 2026. He highlighted the economic benefits of the Mai Riuh@HAWANA, noting its role in providing business opportunities for participating vendors and boosting the local economy.
Earlier in the meeting, Mohd Shukri presented details on the organisation of HAWANA 2026, with discussions covering strategic cooperation between the state government and relevant ministries, departments, and agencies. HAWANA 2026 will carry the theme 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility,' aiming to empower media practitioners' role in national development. The main ceremony is set to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in recognition of their service and contributions.
HAWANA, the largest gathering of Malaysian media practitioners, is organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency.