The Star journalist Andy Chua (second from left) receiving the Long Service Award (37 years in service) from Tiong while Florence (left) and function organising chairman Akun Giman look on.
Media practitioners are reminded to ensure accuracy and avoid sensationalist reporting.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the media must play “the best possible role” for the country by ensuring factual and balanced reporting.
“We should not publish sensational stories just because they are popular.
“We must consider the consequences such stories have on our country,” he said.
He said national stability was crucial as Malaysia’s economy continued to strengthen.
Tiong said the tourism sector remained the fastest-growing industry and one of the most effective drivers of economic development globally.
He added that increasing travel requirements imposed by many countries had made the sector even more challenging.
“This is a challenge we must keep in mind. We need to be aggressive and proactive if we want to attract more tourists,” he said in his speech at the Sibu Journalists Association (SJA) Christmas party in Sibu.
Besides pledging to continue supporting its efforts, Tiong encouraged the association to remain active and united.
He commended the association’s welfare and educational assistance initiatives for its members, noting that many people were facing financial strain due to rising living costs.
“Tonight, I am giving a small token of RM30,000 to support the association. This contribution is to help strengthen and support its activities,” he said.
SJA chairman Florence Nervyn said the association remained firmly committed to safeguarding the welfare of its members, with particular emphasis on supporting their children’s educational needs.
A total of 38 children of members received the SJA Children’s Education Incentive – an award designed to motivate them to continue pursuing excellence at university, secondary, primary and kindergarten levels.
“Even more exciting, this year SJA introduced two new initiatives -– the ‘Back to School’ programme and Long Service Award,” said Nervyn.
She said the former was to help ease the burden of SJA members by providing vouchers to purchase school uniforms and shoes for their children.
Forty members also received the Long Service Award in the form of cash and hamper.
Nervyn said each member also received RM250 travel incentive to encourage domestic tourism.
Also present were Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, Bawang Assan and Bukit Assek assemblymen Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh and Joseph Chieng, respectively. – By ANDY CHUA
