Kuala lumpur: Fifty-five media practitioners and former media personnel received cash assistance and medical equipment support amounting to RM55,500 from the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YAPEIM). Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar announced the disbursement, noting that 50 individuals received cash assistance of RM1,000 each, while five others were provided with medical equipment totalling RM5,500.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, priority for this contribution is given to low-income families, the B40 group, and those living below the poverty line, to help ease the burden on household heads and support those in need. This initiative, highlighted during the Majlis Apresiasi dan Amal YAPEIM Bersama Media 2025, was attended by YAPEIM Board of Trustees chairman Abdul Khudus Mohd Naaim, YAPEIM director-general Zabidi Nasan, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, along with approximately 130 media practitioners from various media outlets.
Mohd Na’im emphasized that the YAPEIM initiative not only strengthens ties with the media but also reflects a sense of togetherness in uplifting the community’s well-being. The media, he noted, remains a strategic partner for any agency, including YAPEIM, playing a crucial role in conveying information and the government’s agenda, educating the public, shaping perceptions, and enhancing public understanding.
Additionally, Mohd Na’im recalled that last year, YAPEIM donated RM50,000, providing RM1,000 each to 50 media practitioners and local artistes in need, including those affected by disasters or facing financial difficulties. The effort was a collaboration with the KL and Selangor Media Club, the Crime Journalists Association, the Putrajaya Media Club, the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia, and Tabung Kasih @ HAWANA, which identified recipients among media practitioners and former media personnel.
Furthermore, 10 part-time media practitioners not affiliated with any association were also assisted, enabling them to receive the same benefits and helping to ease their financial burdens. Mohd Na’im highlighted that the close cooperation of the five associations and these 10 part-time media practitioners has enabled YAPEIM to achieve its objective of assisting media practitioners, whether they are journalists, photographers, cameramen, or former media practitioners and artistes in need.
Since its inception in 1985, YAPEIM has distributed more than RM721 million to over 10 million beneficiaries nationwide as of last September through various programmes encompassing Islamic economic development, educational development, and community development, implemented in an inclusive and systematic manner.