Sarawak Mulls Kuching Media Club House Proposal

KUCHING, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) will consider the proposal to establish a media clubhouse here as a meeting, idea-sharing and relaxation space for journalists and media practitioners in the state.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the idea came from a conversation he had with several media representatives about the need for a dedicated space for them to rest and interact outside of their official duties.

Speaking at the Sarawak National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) Main Committee Appreciation Ceremony and Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 here last night, he said the proposal could be realised with the cooperation of the Sarawak government, government-linked companies and the private sector.

"I strongly support this idea. Journalists work almost 24 hours a day and rarely have regular days off. Sometimes they don't have time to go home after their assignments, so this media clubhouse can be a place for them to gather, exchange ideas and relax," he said.

According to him, the clubhouse can be equipped with facilities such as a small cafe, bathrooms, meeting rooms, light sports areas and recreational areas that provide comfort to media people to fill their relatively short break time while maintaining close relationships with each other.

Abdullah said UKAS and the Federation of Sarawak Journalists Association are also holding further discussions to realise the proposal to send media people in the state to undergo professional training to further improve their skills.

He said that discussions also included the implementation of a special welfare scheme for media people including insurance coverage, housing loan facilities, medical assistance and other appropriate assistance to ease the financial burden of journalists and their families.

“These are the things that are ongoing now and hopefully by the end of this year we'll probably confirm something and and some good news to our media people,” he said.

In the meantime, he also announced a voluntary project involving UKAS officers and journalists to clean up the Dataran Pahlawan area here on August 24 in conjunction with the National Month celebration and to appreciate the sacrifices of the country's fighters.

"This is a sign of support for the Sarawak media and appreciation for our heroes and freedom fighters. We are very fortunate to have their struggles and sacrifices which allow us to enjoy a calm and peaceful atmosphere in the Land of the Hornbills and in Malaysia," he added.

-- BERNAMA