Kuala lumpur: After spending decades behind the scenes reporting events and documenting the nation's development, many veteran media practitioners are now struggling to cope with life after retirement. The hardship is especially felt among former journalists, full-time photographers, and part-time reporters or stringers who once served with private media organisations but now have little or no stable source of income.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, many retired media practitioners are placing their hopes on this year's National Journalists' Day (HAWANA), believing the annual celebration could pave the way for stronger welfare support and greater recognition for retired media practitioners. This optimism is fueled by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil's call in February for state media clubs under the Federation of Malaysian Media Clubs to submit proposals aimed at improving the welfare of former media workers ahead of HAWANA 2026.
Retired Terengganu Information Department photographer Shuhaimi Ahmad, 61, expressed that the government's concern and commitment towards media welfare have given fresh hope, especially to retirees who now require social and financial support. He highlighted the struggles faced by media practitioners from private organisations, who do not receive pensions and rely solely on Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings or personal savings.
Shuhaimi, who served as a photographer with Berita Harian for 20 years, noted that many former colleagues from private media face hardships due to modest salaries earned during their active years. He hopes the government will consider providing regular assistance to help ease the burden faced by veteran media practitioners.
Fahmi had mentioned that proposals submitted by media clubs would be considered before the HAWANA celebration to help develop a more systematic framework for the welfare of media industry workers. He also urged state media clubs to play a proactive role in identifying veteran practitioners who need assistance and in channelling recommendations to the ministry.
Former head of programming at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Terengganu, Wan Abdul Rahman Hayat, emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive database to compile information on both active and retired media practitioners. He believes this would ensure no media practitioner is left out from receiving assistance, including aid provided through HAWANA.
Wan Abdul Rahman acknowledged that many former colleagues, particularly freelancers, were left without strong financial or social support after leaving the industry. Former Harian Metro and Sinar Harian stringer Aminudin Ismail, 61, shared that the greatest challenge faced by freelance reporters begins when they are no longer able to work due to health problems. He hopes the government can introduce a mechanism to help freelance reporters, especially when they fall ill or are unable to work.
HAWANA 2026, themed 'Media Integrity, Pillar of Credibility', is scheduled to take place on June 20 at the PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre in Penang. Organised annually by the Communications Ministry through the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, the event recognises the role and contributions of media practitioners. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate the celebration.