Mohd Zahri (centre) with winners (from left) Azman, Chan, Sheila and Roslinda holding up their mock cheques at the awards. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
IT WAS an evening to remember for Sheila Sri Priya when she clinched two prizes at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) 2025 Media Awards.
The StarMetro journalist won in two categories – Best Media Coverage (Print) and Mayor’s Special Award – taking home RM2,000 and RM1,000 for each, respectively.
Her report titled “Mapping the path to senior wellness in PJ” published on Dec 10 last year, earned her the first win.
The article highlighted challenges faced by elderly folk in the city.
Input from experts and MBPJ officials were also included in the report.
The special award, meanwhile, was in recognition of her media coverage of other concerns faced by Petaling Jaya residents in 2024.
“My reports looked at issues affecting local folk and also incorporated insights from experts as a way of offering solutions.
“At StarMetro, we write about issues that matter to communities and we bring their concerns to public attention,” she said.
Last held in 2019, the awards were aimed at recognising the work of media practitioners in reporting about matters related to Petaling Jaya and MBPJ initiatives.
There were eight categories, among which were Best Photography, Best Videography, Best Radio Broadcast and Best Published Article.
Nearly 100 submissions featuring various reports published in 2024 were received, according to an MBPJ statement.
In his speech, Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the media played a crucial role in keeping communities updated on issues.
“Quality coverage is important to ensure the public receive proper understanding about developments in PJ,” he said prior to giving certificates of appreciation to representatives of media outlets at the event.
Another StarMetro journalist, Jade Chan emerged victorious in the Best Published Article (English Newspaper), taking home a RM1,000 cash prize.
Her report “Bolstering ethics, transparency” explored the work done by the Integrity Units at three Selangor local councils, including MBPJ.
“A conversation with a local councillor inspired me to write the story.
“It zoomed in on a lesser known yet important local council unit which works to promote good governance and accountability,” said Chan.
Winning Best Photography was The Star photographer Azman Ghani whose photos were featured in a short story titled “Soaring high with small aircraft”.
Star Media Group (SMG) Bhd’s radio station Suria FM took Best Radio Broadcast for its exclusive interview with Mohd Zahri.
Also present were SMG Independent Non-Executive director Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar and Suria FM general manager Roslinda Abdul Majid, better known as DJ Lin.
