Bernama plays important role as news agency in national interests

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) has been playing an important role as the country’s sole agency that produces, promotes and disseminates fair and accurate news in national interests.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said this in a Facebook post in conjunction with the news agency’s 55th-anniversary celebration today.

“After more than five decades, Bernama has remained steadfast in disseminating news and information to Keluarga Malaysia, especially news related to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

“So, congratulations and thank you, Bernama,” he said.

Sharing his sentiment was Deputy Minister of Federal Territories Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias who also expressed hope that Bernama would continue being the accurate news provider to all Malaysians.

“Now, Bernama has reached the age of 55. After all these years, Bernama has shared so news stories with us. Thank you Bernama for your support for me and the people,” he posted on Facebook.

Bernama was established under an Act of Parliament on April 6, 1967, and was officially launched on Aug 30, 1967, in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Malaysia’s Independence. It became fully operational on May 20, 1968.

In its early days, Bernama only had 20 staff and operated from a four-room bungalow at No. 222, Jalan Pekeliling, Kuala Lumpur, but now, the news agency is operating from its own 15-storey headquarters building in Jalan Tun Razak, with over 1,000 employees.

-- BERNAMA