Braving the powerful currents of the Rajang River, infamous for its crocodiles, or enduring hours of bone-rattling journeys in four-wheel-drive vehicles along muddy, pothole-ridden logging roads after heavy rain – these are among the challenges faced by reporters in Sarawak whenever their assignments take them deep into the interior.
Despite the many obstacles, they remain committed to their work, ensuring that stories from communities in Sarawak’s remote interior, along with coverage of tragedies such as boat accidents, helicopter crashes and longhouse fires, reach the public even as poor connectivity and difficult terrain complicate reporting efforts.
In conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 on May 29, three veteran media practitioners from the Land of the Hornbills shared some of their experiences with Bernama.
BOAT TRAGEDY
It happened 13 years ago, but the express boat tragedy at Giam Bungan in Belaga during the Gawai celebrations remains vivid in the memory of ‘Berita Harian’ journalist Mohd Roji Kawi Abdullah.
Describing the incident – which occurred on May 28, 2013, and claimed three lives – as one of the most challenging assignments in his more than three decades as a journalist, the 58-year-old newsman said the location was deep in the remote interior of Kapit.
“The journey to the tragedy site took almost 10 hours from Sibu to Kapit before continuing to Belaga by boat through strong and dangerous river currents,” he told Bernama.
At the time, he was working alone as a media representative for the New Straits Times Press based in Sibu.
“Back then, there was no Internet access like we have today. To send our reports (of the boat tragedy) back to the newsroom, we had to travel by boat nearly an hour from the incident site just to find an area with phone coverage,” he said, adding that it cost about RM300 to rent a boat for just a single trip.
According to him, the journalists covering the incident not only faced pressure to obtain accurate and timely information but also had to risk their own safety while navigating rapids and strong river currents.
“Of course, we did think about our safety, but our sense of responsibility kept us going. Much depended on the experience of the boatman because even a small mistake could have led to danger,” he said.
(The express boat that sank at Giam Bungan was reported to have carried more than 200 passengers, exceeding its permitted capacity of 64, and was on its way to Kapit from Belaga.)
For Mohd Roji Kawi, the physical and mental challenges he endured throughout his career never diminished his passion for journalism, despite suffering a broken arm several years ago and a stroke more recently.
“I suffered a stroke, but my hands can still move and I can still write. As long as I am able, I will continue carrying out my (current) duties, namely gathering and processing news from the fire department, police and other related agencies,” said the veteran journalist, who also received assistance through Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, a special fund to help journalists and former media practitioners who are infirm and facing hardship.
HIGH COSTS
For Bernama journalist Frank Julian Martin, 52, handling assignments in Sarawak’s interior demands not only physical and mental endurance but also substantial operational costs.
He said news coverage in areas such as Kapit, Belaga, Baram and Hulu Rajang often requires the use of a longboat and a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
“Fuel costs alone can reach RM800 for a single trip, while boat rental can cost up to RM3,000, including payment for the boatman and his assistants.
“That is why most assignments in the interior are usually carried out during official government programmes or visits by elected representatives who provide logistical support for the media,” said Frank, who has been in the media line for 24 years.
He added that journalists also face a range of risks while carrying out their duties, including extreme weather, landslides and encounters with wild animals such as crocodiles.
He said there were times when journalists became stranded at assignment locations due to adverse weather conditions, with both river routes and logging roads rendered too dangerous to travel.
Frank himself was involved in a boat accident in the early 2000s while covering a programme in Ulu Machan, involving former Machan assemblyman Datuk Seri Gramong Juna.
“The small boat we were travelling in capsized while we were on our way back to Machan town. Fortunately, the water level was only waist-high and everyone escaped safely.
“Although we were drenched, we were grateful that we managed to save our cameras and work equipment,” he said, recalling the incident.
He also shared his experience navigating shallow, rocky rivers in Ensiring, Julau, which involved long boat rides under the scorching sun in exhausting conditions.
Nevertheless, he said all the hardship he experienced was part and parcel of his job as a journalist
“We have to ensure rural communities are not left out of mainstream media coverage. We want the wider public to hear their voices and understand the developments taking place in the interior. That is why, no matter how difficult the journey, journalists will always make the trip,” he said
JOURNALISTS’ WELFARE
Meanwhile, ‘The Borneo Post’ executive editor (business) Ronnie Teo Teck Wei, who has been in journalism for 16 years, said greater attention should be given to the welfare of journalists assigned to Sarawak’s interior, considering the high risks they face while carrying out their duties.
Teo, who is also Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) president, said the state’s vast size and challenging terrain often expose journalists to various dangers, especially when covering accidents on logging roads, longhouse fires, helicopter crashes and cross-border crimes.
“Journalists sometimes have to travel through active logging routes, board express boats in unpredictable weather conditions and venture deep into areas without telecommunication coverage.
“If an emergency occurs or the vehicle breaks down, it may be difficult for them to obtain immediate assistance,” he said.
Teo also said that assignments in the interior often stretch over several days, forcing journalists to stay overnight in remote locations with limited facilities, including shortages of clean water, food supplies and comfortable accommodation.
He said journalists in need currently receive assistance through KDJA and Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, adding that the Sarawak government also provides incentives to the media.
