Penang Chosen To Host HAWANA 2026 - Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration will take place in Penang this June and is expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

"The location is in Penang... but there is a slight change to the (organising) date and (we) are currently confirming the venue. I expect it won't be too long before we can announce it," he told the media after the Prime Minister's breaking of fast event with media practitioners and influencers here tonight.

Last year, the HAWANA 2025 celebration was held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL), serving as an important platform to appreciate the role of media practitioners in the country while strengthening the journalism ecosystem.

Themed "Journalism in the New Era: Balancing AI and Ethics," the largest gathering of Malaysian media practitioners is organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency.

HAWANA celebrations have been held in Melaka, Ipoh, and Kuching before.

Earlier, Anwar arrived at the Seri Perdana Complex at 6:20 pm and spent time listening to a Ramadan tazkirah (religious talk) titled "Ramadan: Fastabiqul Khairat" (Racing to Do Good) delivered by Al-Fadhil Ustaz Harryanto Rizal Rokman.

Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Ministry of Communications Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

After breaking fast, the Prime Minister, along with top leadership and members of the media, performed the Maghrib prayer in congregation, led by Sinar Islam editor Ustaz Muhamad Tarmize Mohd Nor.

-- BERNAMA