KUCHING: Sarawak media associations have welcomed the state government's special incentive for media personnel, describing it as a boost to their members' welfare.
Kuching Division Journalists Association president Ronnie Teo said the one-off financial assistance of RM700 could help its members meet their professional and personal needs.
"The Sarawak government has consistently demonstrated its profound understanding of the media's vital function, acknowledging our crucial role as frontliners, particularly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This commitment to the media fraternity was previously demonstrated through the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang financial aid packages disbursed during the pandemic, which provided targeted assistance to journalists," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 3).
In his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the incentive would be given to media practitioners registered as of Dec 1 with six media associations in Sarawak.
Commonwealth Journalists Association Sarawak branch chairman Nancy Nais said the incentive reflected the state government's recognition of journalists' role in informing the public and promoting social harmony.
"We are truly grateful for this meaningful gesture, which will ease our members' burdens and encourage us to continue serving the people of Sarawak with dedication," she said.
Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching president Peter Sibon thanked Abang Johari for extending financial assistance to the organisation's members.
"He has proven that all strata of society in Sarawak have benefited from his social inclusivity policy since he took office in 2017," he added.
