KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- A total of 478 media practitioners nationwide have received assistance under the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, with contributions amounting to RM1.3 million to date, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said.
She said the initiative, led by the Communications Ministry and implemented by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), continues to support both active and former media practitioners in need of financial aid.
“Of this total, 56 recipients are Tamil media practitioners.
For friends in the industry who require assistance, or know someone who does, applications can be submitted through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA secretariat or directly via my office,” she said when officiating the 2025 annual general meeting of the Malaysian Tamil Media Organisation here today.
Launched in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) in 2023, the fund provides welfare support including financial aid, medical expenses, family assistance and other necessary forms of support.
Teo said the initiative reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to honouring the contributions of journalists and ensuring their welfare is safeguarded.
She also announced that the newly approved Malaysian Media Council (MMC) is expected to hold its first meeting in November to deliberate on industry issues.
“I believe the council will actively engage with media stakeholders. Once established, it must represent all types of media,” she added.
Teo also further encouraged members of the Tamil media organisation to participate in artificial intelligence (AI) courses offered by the Tun Abdul Razak Institute of Broadcasting and Information (IPPTAR), which now opens its training beyond civil servants to include media professionals and the wider community.
This year, IPPTAR has planned 80 courses with a target of 1,500 participants.
As of July 31, 57 courses have been completed involving 4,384 participants. Out of 22 AI-related courses scheduled, 16 have already been conducted with 814 participants.
“I am optimistic that Tamil media will continue to play a vital role as a cultural bridge and as a key voice for the Indian community,” she said.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
