WHEN his editor asked if anyone wanted to go to Setiu in Terengganu for an assignment, StarMetro journalist Farid Wahab was quick to respond.
He had to travel 500km to the Setiu Wetland State Park, 80km north of Kuala Terengganu, to cover a tree-planting exercise.
“I wanted to get a closer look at the park and make contact with local authorities and communities.
“As a journalist, I always keep my eyes peeled for updates.
“I knew there was potential for a bigger story that could be developed from it,” he said.
Farid filed a two-page report – in addition to one on his original assignment – on the wetland’s history and decline.
In a follow-up story, he explored the state government’s initiative with a company and local university to rejuvenate the area.
His reports were recognised during the Media Appreciation Award by the Darul Iman Information Unit (Updi) at Wisma Darul Iman in Kuala Terengganu.
Winning first place in the Best News (Print) category, Farid received a RM1,500 cash prize, while second and third prize winners walked away with RM1,000 and RM500 respectively.
Other categories were Best Photos, Best News (Digital) and Best Video, receiving between RM1,500 and RM500.
Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, in a pre-recorded speech, said the media played a crucial role in ensuring the public received accurate and credible information.
“The media helps to clarify issues which have been inaccurately presented by irresponsible parties.
“The state government will continue to cooperate with the media in getting correct information across,” he said.
