Kuala Lumpur: Tabung Kasih@HAWANA continues to demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of media practitioners as three more recipients benefitted from the initiative today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, The Star news editor Ng Li Yiao, 56, who is battling breast cancer, expressed her gratitude for the donation, acknowledging the support she feels after contributing to journalism for 31 years. Ng emphasized that the assistance would not only help cover her medical expenses but also support her daily needs, highlighting the importance of nutritious food for those who are ill.

“This assistance means a lot to me as a single mother who is raising twins, currently studying at university,” Ng added, after receiving the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA donation today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA contribution at the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 event held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). The event was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, and other prominent figures from the communications and media sectors.

Meanwhile, Rusmin Fadzil, 62, shared that the donation will aid her in purchasing necessities during her treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a skin disease she has been battling since October 2022. She noted the significance of such contributions for media practitioners who are no longer working and lack a stable income, stating that it alleviates her financial burden.

Makkal Osai editor Murugan Perumal, 67, also expressed his gratitude for being selected as a recipient. With 41 years in journalism, Murugan stressed the importance of continuing these donations to support media practitioners facing financial difficulties due to illness, whether still in service or retired.

Since its launch at the HAWANA 2023 celebration in Ipoh, Perak, the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative has benefitted 441 media practitioners nationwide, with contributions exceeding RM1.2 million. Established by the Ministry of Communications and implemented through Bernama, the fund aims to assist journalists and media practitioners facing financial challenges.