Part-Time Journalists Call For Basic Health Protection Ahead Of HAWANA 2025

By Nursuraya Zulkifli

MELAKA, June 1 (Bernama) -- Working without a fixed income and often clocking in extra hours just to make ends meet—this is the harsh reality faced by many part-time journalists in Malaysia.

Despite receiving no formal benefits or job security, these media professionals continue to contribute to the industry with dedication, all while hoping for at least basic health protection as a token of appreciation for their role in national journalism.

Part-time journalist with Utusan Malaysia, Amran Ali, 52, said he and others in similar roles hope for access to an affordable medical scheme, ideally covering them until the age of 70.

“Although we are not permanent staff, the work and risks we take on are no different from those faced by full-time journalists, including assignments in remote or difficult-to-reach areas.

“Some of us work without annual leave, EPF contributions, or any form of medical coverage,” he told Bernama.

Amran expressed hope that the upcoming National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 would serve as a platform to amplify the voices of part-time journalists, who are seeking support mechanisms such as health contributions, emergency aid funds, or access to clinic treatment cards.

Echoing his views, Meor Riduwan Meor Ahmad, 49, urged the government to consider a dedicated initiative to provide registered part-time journalists with at least basic benefits, such as accident insurance.

“I believe safeguarding the welfare of part-time journalists will improve the quality of reporting and help formally recognise their role while providing a safer work environment,” he said.

Currently, the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, introduced during the HAWANA 2023 celebration, assists active and retired media practitioners in need of help or facing health challenges. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Communications, is implemented through the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).

At the HAWANA 2024 celebration in Kuching, Sarawak on May 27 last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM1 million allocation for the fund this year.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil also announced that, starting July 2024, all part-time media personnel will receive a one-year Perkeso (Social Security Organisation) contribution, fully funded by Bernama.

The highlight of HAWANA 2025 is scheduled for June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL), where the Prime Minister will officiate the event. Around 1,000 media professionals from Malaysia and abroad are expected to attend.

Organised by the Ministry of Communications, with Bernama as the implementing agency, the celebration features a series of events including a pantun festival held yesterday, a pre-launch ceremony with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama this Tuesday, and a media forum co-hosted with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.

-- BERNAMA