ALOR SETAR, March 1 (Bernama) -- Islamic Aid Malaysia (IAM) plans to increase the number of media practitioners receiving aid next year, following the positive response to its inaugural assistance programme for the group this year.
IAM president Zawahir Abdullah said 20 current and former media practitioners across five states, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Kelantan, Pahang and Kedah, were selected this year to receive assistance under the Jelajah Kasih Ramadan programme, organised in collaboration with Etiqa Takaful.
“Every Ramadan, we focus on orphans and the underprivileged. However, there are also media practitioners who are in need but have often been overlooked.
“Some are battling chronic illnesses, supporting large families or are no longer physically able to work. We hope to increase the number of recipients next year so that more media practitioners in need can benefit,” he said after presenting the Jelajah Kasih Ramadan aid here yesterday.
At the event, a total of 200 recipients, including five current and former media practitioners in Kedah, received assistance in the form of basic food packs and cash contributions.
Meanwhile, Etiqa Insurance and Takaful Northern Division regional director Hazli Mohamed Kassin said the company’s participation was part of its zakat social responsibility initiative to assist the underprivileged.
“We are providing basic necessities to help ease their burden and enable them to prepare for Ramadan and the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations,” he said.
Former New Straits Times Press (NSTP) photographer Shahrizal Md Nor, 60, who served in the industry for 30 years, expressed gratitude for the support extended to former media practitioners facing health challenges.
“I suffered a heart attack a month after leaving my job and am no longer able to take on physically demanding work. This assistance will help ease the expenses of celebrating Aidilfitri,” he said.
Media Prima part-time journalist Roshila Murni Rosli, 35, who has been undergoing dialysis treatment since 2022, also expressed appreciation for the aid, saying it would allow her to make modest preparations for Aidilfitri as much of her finances are currently focused on medical expenses.
-- BERNAMA
